Method and apparatus for cooking using a  combustible gas produced with an electrolyzer

ABSTRACT

A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus to cook food. Theapparatus may be portable and may use, or produce and use, a combustiblegas to provide heat for cooking. Alternately, or in addition, theapparatus may use electrical contact heating to produce convectivecooking of food. This invention also relates to a method and apparatusthat produces a combustible gas and may store the combustible gas. Theapparatus may be an indoor barbeque.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of cooking apparatus are known. These include barbeques,ovens, and gas and electric cook tops. Barbeques utilize charcoal,propane (that is stored in a tank) or natural gas as a heating source.The gas or charcoal is combusted below the cooking surface and the heatfrom the combustion is utilized to cook the food. Barbeque foods arepopular and indoor barbeques have been developed. These typicallycomprise a grill that is provided as part of a cook top. The cook topincludes a grill below which a natural gas burner is positioned. Anexhaust system is provided adjacent (e.g., above or behind the grill) toexhaust the combustion gasses. These indoor barbeques have severaldisadvantages. First, they must be connected to a source of gas. If akitchen does not already have a feed of natural gas, e.g., for a naturalgas oven, then it may be difficult or impractical to retrofit an indoorbarbeque into an existing kitchen. Another disadvantage is the noise ofthe exhaust system. The combustion products must be exhausted and theexhaust systems typically have high flow rates resulting a high noiselevel while cooking.

A gas barbeque that utilizes hydrogen is known. The barbeque utilizes anexternal pressurized hydrogen canister. The canister is removable sothat, when the canister is empty, a new canister containing hydrogen maybe installed. One disadvantage with this barbeque is that hydrogen is avery light gas and has a low power density. Accordingly, a canister ofhydrogen that is transportable by a consumer would have a relativelysmall supply of hydrogen compared to propane canisters.

Existing cooking tops that use electric resistance heating or a gasburner are designed to have the food placed in a frying pan or cookingpot which is placed on or above the cooking element. The food is notplaced directly in contact with the heat source. Accordingly, exitingcook tops are used for cooking food such as by frying, boiling orsteaming the food.

Electrical heating cooking surfaces, which are designed to have the foodplaced directly on the heated surfaces, are known. These includeelectric frying pans, waffle irons, and cooking appliances sold undervarious trademarks such as George Foreman with respect to grills. Ineach of these cases, the food is placed on an electrically heatedsurface. The George Foreman appliance uses a corrugated cooking surfaceso as to create channels in which the fat from the food may collectwhile the food is cooking. Such cooking appliances do not simulatebarbequed food.

Cooking appliances that use both electricity and gas to cook are known.An example is cooking appliances that include an oven that is heated byelectrical resistance heating, with and without forced convection, and agas cook top. Ovens and cook tops are also known that permit the use ofgas and electric heating (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,147,United States Patent Application published under no. 2004/0200825 andJapanese Patent Application No. 55065834). These cooking appliances donot simulate barbequed food.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, a cookingappliance is provided that combines electrical contact heating andconvective cooking. Food may accordingly be cooked by direct contactheating as well as convection.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, a cookingappliance is provided that combines electrical contact heating andcooking using a combustible fuel, preferably hydrogen.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, anappliance, such as a cooking appliance, is provided that produces thecombustible gas that is utilized by the cooking appliance. Some or allof the combustible gas may be used as it is produced for cooking foodand some or all may be stored for later use.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, a cookingapparatus is provided that is portable and may be used indoors withoutexhausting the combustion gases.

Various different aspects are disclosed herein which may be usedsingularly or in combination. In accordance with one aspect of theinstant invention, there is provided a cooking apparatus comprising amember for producing a combustible fuel and a burner that is in flowcommunication with the member and a cooking surface on which at leastone of food or a cooking container is receivable.

In one embodiment, the member is an electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises ahydrogen storage member in flow communication with the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable. In anotherembodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a cooking regionwherein at least one portion of the cooking region is open at all timeswhen the cooking appliance is in use.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance has a plug which isremovably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance having an electrolyzer, the cookingappliance comprising:

-   -   (a) a spine; and    -   (b) a cooking surface;    -   wherein the cooking surface is mounted to the spine.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a lid mountedon the spine.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a driptray mounted on the spine.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is removably mounted to thespine.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface and an electrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the food receiving surface and the electricalheating member comprise a unitary assembly.

In another embodiment, the food receiving surface is removable mountedon the electrical heating member and the electrical heating member ismounted to the spine.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has an electrical heatingelement, the cooking appliance has electric contacts and the cookingsurface is removably mounted to the electrolyzer and the electricalheating element is connected to the electric contacts upon being mountedto the spine.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has an electrical heatingelement, the cooking surface has a first mounting member, the spine hasa second mounting member, the first and second mounting membersinter-engage whereby when the first and second mounting membersinter-engage, the cooking surface is mounted to the spine and theelectrical heating element is electrically connected to the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, and the first and second mounting members includeelectrically conductive members.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer; and    -   (b) a water impermeable open topped container positioned below        the electrolyzer.

In one embodiment, the container has a volume and the electrolyzer has aliquid volume and the volume of the container is at least the same sizeas the volume of the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the container is removable.

In another embodiment, the container is removably mounted to a spine andthe electrolyzer comprises the spine.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises acooking surface and the container is sized such that it extendsunderneath all of the cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the container comprises a removable drip tray.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer has a drain port and thecontainer is positioned below the outlet port.

In another embodiment, the outlet port comprises a drain plug.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a charger thatremovable receives a hydrogen storage media.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage media comprises at least oneof a metal hydride, carbon tubes, a hydrogen salt, a metal salt, amagnesium hydride, a micro-porous oxide, a metal nitride and zeolite

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage media is removablyreceivable in at least one of a garden tool, a power tool, a pressurewasher and a car jack.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface which comprises a food receiving        surface; and,    -   (c) an upper cooking member positioned above the lower cooking        surface.

In one embodiment, the lower cooking surface has openings providedtherein.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member has openings providedtherein.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a gasburner positioned below the cooking surface wherein the burner isdownstream from the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is electrically heatedby an electrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface and the electricalheating member comprise a unitary assembly.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is removable mounted onthe electrical heating member and the electrical heating member ismounted to the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is removably mounted tothe cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is removablyconnectable to a mount provided in the cooking appliance and the lowercooking surface is configured to be electrically connected to thecooking appliance when the lower cooking surface is connected to themount.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member is removably mounted tothe cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member is removably connectableto a mount provided in the cooking appliance and the upper cookingmember is configured to be electrically connected to the cookingappliance when the upper cooking member is connected to the mount.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member is heated by combustionof the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member is heated by combustionproducts produced by combustion of the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface and the upper heatingmember are spaced apart to define a cooking region therebetween and thecooking appliance further comprises a fan to produce forced convectionin the cooking region.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member includes a cookingsurface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface; and,    -   (c) an upper member positioned above the lower cooking surface,        the upper member is reflective to infrared radiation and is        positioned and configured to reflect infrared radiation received        thereon towards the lower cooking surface.

In one embodiment, the upper member incorporates aluminium.

In another embodiment, the lower surface of the upper member hasaluminium provided thereon.

In another embodiment, the upper member comprises a lid.

In another embodiment, the lower surface of the lid is treated to bereflective to infrared radiation.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises an uppercooking member positioned above the lower cooking surface and below theupper member wherein the upper cooking member has openings providedtherein.

In another embodiment, the upper cooking member includes a cookingsurface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a gasburner positioned below the cooking surface wherein the burner isconnected to a gas outlet of the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface has openings providedtherein.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface and the upper memberare spaced apart to define a cooking region therebetween and the cookingregion has a vertical height of 1/16 to 4 inches.

In another embodiment, the cooking region has a vertical height of ¼ to2 inches.

In another embodiment, the cooking region has a vertical height of ¾ to1.5 inches.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface and the upper cookingmember are spaced apart to define a cooking region therebetween and thecooking region has a vertical height of 1/16 to 4 inches.

In another embodiment, the cooking region has a vertical height of ¼ to2 inches.

In another embodiment, the cooking region has a vertical height of ¾ to1.5 inches.

In another embodiment, the upper member is moveably mounted between aclosed position in which it is positioned over the lower cooking surfaceand an open position.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the upper member istransparent.

A In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel that is        used to cook food;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface; and,    -   (c) a lid positioned above the lower cooking surface, at least a        portion of the lid is transparent.

In one embodiment, the lid is moveably mounted between a closed positionin which it is positioned over the lower cooking surface and an openposition.

In another embodiment, the lid is rotatably mounted to the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a burnerfor the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a cookingregion above the lower cooking surface and combustion of the combustiblefuel produce heat that heats the cooking region.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the lid is transparent tovisible light and at least o portion of the lid reflects infraredradiation.

In another embodiment, the lid has a lower surface at least a portion ofwhich has a coating applied thereto that is transparent to visible lightand reflects infrared radiation.

In another embodiment, the lower surface is aluminized.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface;    -   (c) an upper member positioned above the lower cooking surface        to define a cooking region between the lower cooking surface and        the upper member;    -   (d) a filtration member; and,    -   (e) a fan positioned to cause air to pass through the filtration        member.

In one embodiment, the filtration member comprises a porous filtermedia.

In another embodiment, the filtration member comprises a cyclone.

In another embodiment, the filtration member comprises an electrostaticfilter.

In another embodiment, the upper member comprises a lid.

In another embodiment, the lid is moveably mounted between a closedposition in which it is positioned over the lower cooking surface and anopen position.

In another embodiment, the lid is rotatably mounted to the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a burnerfor the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel that is        used to cook food;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface; and,    -   (c) a lid positioned above the lower cooking surface and        moveably mounted between a closed position in which it is        positioned over the lower cooking surface and an open position.

In one embodiment, the lid is rotatably mounted to the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a burnerfor the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a cookingregion above the lower cooking surface and combustion of the combustiblefuel produces heat that heats the cooking region.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the lid is transparent tovisible light and at least o portion of the lid reflects infraredradiation.

In another embodiment, the lid has a lower surface at least a portion ofwhich has a coating applied thereto that is transparent to visible lightand reflects infrared radiation.

In another embodiment, the lid is removably mounted to the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel; and,    -   (b) a cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking,        wherein    -   the cooking surface is removably mounted to the cooking        appliance.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a lid.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is electrically heated by anelectrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface and the electrical heatingmember comprise a unitary assembly.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is removable mounted on theelectrical heating member and the electrical heating member is mountedto the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has an electrical heatingelement, the cooking appliance has electric contacts and the cookingsurface is removably mounted to the cooking appliance and the electricalheating element is connected to the electric contacts upon being mountedto the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has an electrical heatingelement, the cooking surface has a first mounting member, theelectrolyzer has a second mounting member, the first and second mountingmembers inter-engage whereby when the first and second mounting membersinter-engage, the cooking surface is mounted to the cooking applianceand the electrical heating element is electrically connected to thecooking appliance.

In another embodiment, and the first and second mounting members includeelectrically conductive members.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising a plurality of electrolyzers,wherein each electrolyzer has a plurality of electrodes, the householdappliance having a volume, the volume being smaller than if the samedomestic apparatus would have if comprised a single electrolyer havingthe same number of electrodes as in the plurality of electrolyzers.

In one embodiment, the domestic apparatus has a length and a widthdefining a footprint, the footprint being smaller than if the samedomestic apparatus would have if comprised a single electrolyer havingthe same number of electrodes as in the plurality of electrolyzers.

In another embodiment, at least two electrolyzers are electricallyconnected in series.

In another embodiment, at least two electrolyzers are electricallyconnected in parallel.

In another embodiment, at least two electrolyzers are positioned frontto rear.

In another embodiment, at least one electrolyzer is positioned above asecond electrolyzer.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising at least one elecytolyzer, atleast one burner positioned in a combustion region, a hydrogen gas flowpath extending between the electrolyzer and the burner and a fanpositioned to direct air into the combustion region.

In one embodiment, hydrogen gas has an explosive threshold concentrationand the fan directs sufficient air to the combustion region to reducethe concentration of hydrogen in the combustion region to below theexplosive threshold concentration.

In another embodiment, the fan directs sufficient air to the combustionregion to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the combustion regionto less than half the explosive threshold concentration.

In another embodiment, the fan directs sufficient air to the combustionregion to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the combustion regionto less then a tenth of the explosive threshold concentration.

In another embodiment, the fan is automatically actuated when theelectrolyzer is actuated.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises ahydrogen storage member and the hydrogen gas flow path comprises a firstpassage extending between the electrolyzer and the hydrogen storagemember and a second passage extending between the hydrogen storagemember and the burner and the fan also directs air to a storage regionin which the hydrogen storage member is positioned.

In another embodiment, hydrogen gas has an combustion thresholdconcentration and the fan directs sufficient air to the storage regionto reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the storage region to belowthe combustion threshold concentration.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel;    -   (b) a burner;    -   (c) a combustible fuel flow path extending between the        electrolyzer and the burner;    -   (d) a lower cooking surface on which food is receivable for        cooking; and,    -   (e) an upper member positioned above the lower cooking surface    -   wherein at least one of the lower cooking surface and the upper        member is moveable relative to the other.

In one embodiment, the upper member is a lid.

In another embodiment, the upper member is a heating member.

In another embodiment, at least one of the lower cooking member and theupper member is vertically moveable.

In another embodiment, the upper member is moveably mounted between aclosed position in which it is positioned over the lower cooking surfaceand an open position.

In another embodiment, the upper member is rotatably mounted to thecooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, the burner is positioned below the lower cookingsurface.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking member is vertically adjustablerelative to the burner.

In another embodiment, the upper member is removably mounted to thecooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an elecytolyzer;    -   (b) a burner;    -   (c) a combustible fuel flow path extending between the        electrolyzer and the burner;    -   (d) a lower cooking surface;    -   (e) a drip tray; and,    -   (f) a circuit electrically connecting the electrolyzer to a        power source, the circuit including a detector    -   wherein at least one of the lower cooking surface and the drip        tray is removable mounted to the cooking appliance, the detector        detects the presence of at least one of the lower cooking        surface and the drip tray in the cooking appliance, the circuit        isolates the electrolyzer from the power source when at least        one of the lower cooking surface and the drip tray is removed        from the cooking appliance.

In one embodiment, the power source comprises a plug which is removablyreceivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, the lower cooking surface incorporates anelectrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has an electrical heatingelement, the detector comprises electric contacts and the electricalheating element is connected to the electric contacts upon being mountedto the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has a first mounting member,the cooking appliance has a second mounting member that includes theelectric contacts, the first and second mounting members inter-engagewhereby when the first and second mounting members inter-engage, thecooking surface is mounted to the cooking appliance and the electricalheating element is electrically connected to the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising an electrolyzer which produceshydrogen, a burner positioned in a combustion region, a hydrogen gasflow path extending between the electrolyzer and the burner and anillumination member which illuminates the combustion region.

In one embodiment, the illumination member comprises a member positionedin the combustion region and which emits light when heated.

In another embodiment, the illumination member is combustible.

In another embodiment, the illumination member is non-combustible.

In another embodiment, the illumination member is one or more of a lightemitting diode, an incandescent bulb, a fluorescent bulb, or acombination thereof.

In another embodiment, the illumination member comprises an elementincluded in the hydrogen that is combusted.

In another embodiment, the element is incorporated into an electrolytesolution in the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen gas flow path includes a sparger andthe element is in a liquid in the sparger.

In another embodiment, in operation, a flame is produced by the burnerand the illumination member comprises a mirror that is positioned toreflect an image of the flame towards a user.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an elecytolyzer;    -   (b) a heat source;    -   (c) a cooking region heated by the heat source; and,    -   (d) a cooking support member positioned in the cooking region    -   wherein at least one of the heat source and the cooking support        member is moveable.

In one embodiment, cooking support comprises a rod for a rotisseriewherein the rod is rotatably mounted.

In another embodiment, the cooking support comprises a food receivingsurface.

In another embodiment, at least one of the heat source and the cookingsurface is vertically moveable.

In another embodiment, the heat source comprises a burner.

In another embodiment, the heat source further comprises an electricheating member.

In another embodiment, the burner and electric heating member areoperable simultaneously.

In another embodiment, at least one of the burner and the electricheating member is vertically moveable.

In another embodiment, the cooking support comprises a food receivingsurface and the electric heating member is incorporated into the cookingsurface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible gas;    -   (b) a heat source comprising a burner which produces a flame        when the combustible gas is combusted;    -   (c) a cooking region heated by the heat source, the cooking        region having a cooking temperature that is adjustable; and,    -   (d) a cooking support member positioned in the cooking region        and spaced from the heat source by a distance    -   wherein the cooking temperature is adjustable.

In one embodiment, the cooking temperature is adjustable by varying atleast one of:

-   -   (a) the temperature of the heat source; and,    -   (b) the temperature in the cooking region.

In another embodiment, the cooking temperature is adjustable by:

-   -   (a) varying the distance between the heat source and the cooking        support member;    -   (b) providing dilution air to the cooking region;    -   (c) varying an amount of dilution air to the cooking region;    -   (d) varying the amount of combustible gas produced by the        electrolyzer; and,    -   (e) varying the size of the flame.

In another embodiment, the heat source further comprises an electricheating element.

In another embodiment, the distance between the cooking support memberand at least one of the burner and the electric heating element isvariable.

In another embodiment, the burner and electric heating member areoperable simultaneously.

In another embodiment, cooking support member comprises a rod for arotisserie.

In another embodiment, the cooking support member comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, the heat source further comprises an electricheating element positioned to heat the cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the power provided to the electric heatingelement is adjustable.

In another embodiment, the cooking temperature is adjustable by varyingthe power provided to the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the burner has an orifice and the cookingtemperature is adjustable by varying the size of the orifice.

In another embodiment, a dilution gas is combined with the combustiblegas and the cooking temperature is adjustable by varying the amount ofdilution gas combined with the combustible gas.

In another embodiment, the heat source further comprises an electricheating element and the power provided to the electric heating elementand the heat produced by the burner are variable.

In another embodiment, the power provided to the electric heatingelement and the heat produced by the burner are individually variable.

In another embodiment, the heat produced by the burner is varied by atleast one of:

-   -   (a) varying the amount of combustible gas produced by the        electrolyzer; and,    -   (b) varying the size of the flame.

In another embodiment, the cooking support member comprises a foodreceiving surface.

In another embodiment, the cooking temperature is automaticallyadjustable based on at least one of the temperature of food in thecooking region, the temperature of the cooking region and thetemperature of the cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising at least one elecytolyzer, atleast one burner, a hydrogen storage member and a first hydrogen gasflow path extending between the electrolyzer and the hydrogen storagemember and a second hydrogen gas flow path extending between thehydrogen storage member and the burner.

In one embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises a thirdhydrogen gas flow path extending between the electrolyzer and theburner.

In another embodiment, the burner concurrently combusts hydrogenobtained from the electrolyzer and hydrogen obtained from the hydrogenstorage member.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage member comprises a hydrogenstorage media.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage media comprises at least oneof a metal hydride, carbon tubes, a hydrogen salt, a metal salt, amagnesium hydride, a micro-porous oxide, a metal nitride and zeolite.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage media releases hydrogen uponapplication of current and the domestic apparatus further comprises anelectric conductive member connecting the hydrogen storage media to asource of current.

In another embodiment, the electric conductive member connects thehydrogen storage media to a variable source of current.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage media releases hydrogen uponapplication of heat and the domestic apparatus further comprises anelectric heating element thermally connected to the hydrogen storagemedia.

In another embodiment, the power provided to the electric heatingelement is variable whereby the amount of hydrogen provided by thehydrogen storage media per unit time is varied by varying the powerprovided to the electric heating element.

In another embodiment, the domestic appliance comprises a cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of providing heat in a domestic apparatus comprisingat least one elecytolyzer, at least one burner and a hydrogen storagemedia, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) obtaining hydrogen from at least one of the electrolyzer and        the hydrogen storage media; and,    -   (b) combusting the hydrogen to produce heat.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises operating theelectrolyzer when heat is not required and storing hydrogen produced bythe electrolyzer in the hydrogen storage member.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has a plug that isremovably receivable in a domestic electric outlet and the methodfurther comprises removing the plug from the domestic electric outletand combusting hydrogen obtained from the hydrogen storage member.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has a battery and themethod further comprises charging the battery when the plug is receivedin the domestic electric outlet and utilizing power stored in thebattery to release hydrogen from the hydrogen storage member.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage member comprises a hydrogenstorage media which releases hydrogen upon application of heat and themethod further comprises utilizing power stored in the battery to heatthe hydrogen storage media whereby hydrogen is released from thehydrogen storage media.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a cookingappliance and the method further comprises using the heat to cook food.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel that is        combusted in a combustion region;    -   (b) a lower cooking surface    -   (c) a cooking region; and,    -   (d) a flavouring agent container.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a lidpositioned above the lower cooking surface,

In another embodiment, the flavouring agent container is heat stable andis positioned in or above the combustion region.

In another embodiment, the flavouring agent comprises a liquid and theflavouring agent container is configured to deliver the flavouring agentto at least one of the combustion region, a position above thecombustion region and to food in the cooking region.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel;    -   (b) a gas burner downstream from the electrolyzer, the gas        burner having burner ports; and,    -   (c) a cooking surface having openings provided therein, the        cooking surface positioned above the burner and configured to        direct liquid produced when food is cooked away from the burner        ports.

In one embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface.

In another embodiment, the food receiving surface is generallycorrugated in shape.

In another embodiment, the corrugations are generally V shaped.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is removably mounted to thecooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface is electrically heated.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface comprises a food receivingsurface and an electrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the food receiving surface and the electricalheating member comprise a unitary assembly.

In another embodiment, the food receiving surface is removably mountedon the electrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer comprises a spine of the cookingappliance.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising an electrolyzer which produceshydrogen, a burner positioned in a combustion region, a hydrogen gasflow path extending between the electrolyzer and the burner and asparger positioned in the hydrogen gas flow path.

In one embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises a hydrogenstorage member.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage member comprises at leastone of a pressurized storage container and a hydrogen storage media.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen gas flow path comprises a first flowpath that extends from the electrolyzer to the hydrogen storage memberand a second flow path that extends from the hydrogen storage member tothe burner and the sparger is positioned in the second flow path.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen gas flow path comprises a third flowpath that extends from the electrolyzer to the burner.

In another embodiment, the third flow path mergers with the second flowpath upstream of the sparger.

In another embodiment, the third flow path includes a sparger.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a charger thatremovably receives a hydrogen storage member.

In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage member is removablyreceivable in a garden tool or a power tool.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a householdappliance.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus comprises a cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus is portable.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus further comprises a plugwhich is removably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the sparger has an inlet port that is positionedto be accessible when the domestic apparatus is assembled.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer casing andthe sparger has an inlet port that is positioned on the outer casing.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and thedomestic apparatus has a sparger liquid level indicator.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and a liquidlevel warning member whereby a person may refill the appliance when theliquid level warning member signals that the liquid in the sparger hasdropped below a predetermined level.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cleaning a cooking appliance having a cookingsurface on which food is receivable for cooking and at least one of anelectrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) allowing the cooking appliance to cool;    -   (b) removing the cooking surface; and,    -   (c) cleaning the cooking surface in a dishwasher or a sink.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance includes at least one of anupper cooking member, a lid and a drip tray and the method furthercomprises removing the at least one of an upper cooking member, a lidand a drip tray for cleaning.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises an electric heatingelement that is removable from the cooking appliance and the methodfurther comprises electrically disconnecting the electric heatingelement while removing the electric heating element from the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has a mounting member forreleasably connecting the cooking member to the cooking appliance, theelectric heating element is removable with the cooking surface and iselectrically connected to the cooking appliance by the mounting memberand the method further comprises electrically disconnecting the electricheating element while removing the cooking surface from the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface that is removably mounted onan electrical heating member and step (b) comprises removing the cookingsurface from the electrical heating member.

In another embodiment, the electrical heating member is maintained inthe cooking appliance during normal cleaning and step (b) furthercomprises maintaining the electrical heating member in the cookingappliance while the cooking surface is removed for cleaning.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface and the electrical heatingmember comprise a unitary assembly and step (b) comprises removing thecooking surface and the electrical heating member.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cleaning a portable cooking appliance comprising atleast one of an electrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) allowing the cooking appliance to cool;    -   (b) removing the cooking surface; and,    -   (c) cleaning the cooking surface in a dishwasher or a sink.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance includes at least one of anupper cooking member, a lid and a drip tray and the method furthercomprises removing the at least one of an upper cooking member, a lidand a drip tray for cleaning.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises an electric heatingelement that is removable from the cooking appliance and the methodfurther comprises electrically disconnecting the electric heatingelement while removing the electric heating element from the cookingappliance.

In another embodiment, the cooking surface has a mounting member forreleasably connecting the cooking member to the cooking appliance, theelectric heating element is removable with the cooking surface and iselectrically connected to the cooking appliance by the mounting memberand the method further comprises electrically disconnecting the electricheating element while removing the cooking surface from the cookingappliance.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cooking food comprising:

-   -   (a) actuating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen;    -   (b) combusting the hydrogen to produce heat and utilizing the        heat to cookfood; and,    -   (c) utilizing electricity to produce additional heat to cook        food.

In one embodiment, steps (b) and (c) are conducted simultaneously.

In another embodiment, step (c) comprises utilizing electricity to heata cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing food on thecooking surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cooking food in a portable cooking appliancecomprising:

-   -   (a) actuating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen;    -   (b) combusting the hydrogen to produce heat; and.    -   (c) utilizing the heat to cook food.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises utilizing electricity toproduce additional heat to cook food.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises concurrentlycombusting the hydrogen to produce heat and utilizing electricity toproduce additional heat to cook food.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises utilizingelectricity to heat a cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing food on thecooking surface.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing food on arotisserie in the cooking appliance.

In another embodiment, the portable cooking appliance has a plug whichis receivable in a domestic electric outlet and the method furthercomprises inserting the plug in the domestic electric outlet prior toactuating the electrolyzer.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising a discontinuous electricallyheated cooking surface that has a plurality of surface portions, thesurface portions are laterally spaced apart to define a gap betweenadjacent laterally spaced apart surface portions, the gaps aredimensioned to permit convective air currents to be formed therein.

In one embodiment, the convective air currents have a rise rate of 1 to1000 inches per second.

In another embodiment, the gaps comprise openings in the cooking surfaceand the cooking appliance further comprises at least one burnerpositioned below the cooking surface.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance includes a member forproducing a combustible fuel that is fed to the at least one burner.

In another embodiment, the member is an electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises at leastone container in flow communication with the electrolyzer wherein the atleast one container stores gas produced by the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance is portable.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cooking food comprising:

-   -   (a) placing food on a surface that is electrically heated; and,    -   (b) providing hydrogen gas from at least one of an electrolyzer        and a hydrogen storage media; and,    -   (c) burning a gas to provide additional heat to cook the food.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises using an electrolyzer toproduce hydrogen gas.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises storing at least aportion of the hydrogen gas.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises combusting at leasta portion of the stored hydrogen to cook the food.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises utilizing only thestored hydrogen to cook the food.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises operating theelectrolyzer to produce hydrogen and simultaneously combusting hydrogenthat has been stored and hydrogen that is produced by the electrolyzerto cook the food.

In another embodiment, the method is conducted using a cooking appliancethat has a plug which is removably receivable in a domestic electricoutlet and the method further comprises inserting the plug into thedomestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the method is conducted using a cooking appliancethat has a plug which is removably receivable in a domestic electricoutlet, a battery and a hydrogen storage member and the method furthercomprises operating the electrolyzer while the plug is inserted in adomestic electric outlet to at least partially charge the hydrogenstorage member, removing the plug from the domestic electric outlet andoperating the cooking appliance using the battery.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method of cooking food comprising:

-   -   (a) obtaining a combustible fuel in a cooking appliance from at        least one of an electrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media;    -   (b) burning the combustible fuel to heat a cooking region; and,    -   (c) placing the food on at least one of a cooking surface in the        cooking region, a rod of a rotisserie in the cooking region and        a cooking container placed on a cooking surface provided in the        cooking region.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises storing at least aportion of the combustible fuel prior to burning the combustible fuel toproduce heat.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing food on asurface that is electrically heated while the food is also being cookedby the heat from the combustion of the combustible fuel.

In another embodiment, the method is conducted using a cooking appliancethat has a plug which is removably receivable in a domestic electricoutlet and the method further comprises inserting the plug into thedomestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, step (c) comprises placing the food on a cookingsurface in the cooking region.

In another embodiment, step (c) comprises placing the food on arotisserie in the cooking region.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the cooking region is openat all times and step (c) comprises placing the food in a cookingcontainer placed on a cooking surface provided in the cooking region.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a cooking appliance comprising:

-   -   (a) a source of hydrogen gas comprising at least one of an        electrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media; and,    -   (b) an electrical heating element positioned to heat a cooking        surface.

In one embodiment, the cooking appliance further comprises anelectrolyzer

In another embodiment, the appliance is portable.

In another embodiment, the appliance is operated on household electriccurrent.

In another embodiment, the appliance has a plug which is removablyreceivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising an electrolyzer, wherein theelectrolyzer comprises at least one gas outlet port, at least one fluidinlet port and the domestic apparatus has at least one drain port influid communication with the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the drain port is positioned to be accessiblewhen the electrolyzer is positioned in the domestic apparatus.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer casing andthe drain port is positioned on the outer casing.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer surface andthe drain port is positioned to be accessible from the outer surface.

In another embodiment, the domestic appliance further comprises areservoir in fluid communication with the electrolyzer and the drainport is provided in at least one of the electrolyzer and the reservoiror a conduit extending from at least one of the electrolyzer and thereservoir.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer;    -   (b) a liquid reservoir in fluid flow communication with the        electrolyzer;    -   (c) at least one of the electrolyzer, the liquid reservoir and a        flow passage between the electrolyzer and the reservoir has an        openable inlet port; and,    -   (d) a burner for gas produced by the electrolyzer.

In one embodiment, liquid reservoir has the inlet port.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer casing andthe inlet port is positioned on the outer casing.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer surface andthe inlet port is positioned to be accessible from the outer surface.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and thedomestic apparatus further comprises a liquid level indicator.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and thedomestic apparatus further comprises a liquid level warning memberwhereby a person may refill the reservoir when the liquid level warningmember signals that the liquid in at least one of the electrolyzer andthe reservoir has dropped below a predetermined level.

In another embodiment, the liquid reservoir has a volume that is atleast as large as the liquid volume of the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the liquid reservoir is constructed to remainwatertight when liquid freezes therein.

In another embodiment, at least one of the electrolyzer and the liquidreservoir is moveable with respect to the other so as to be positionedbelow the other whereby when the liquid reservoir is positioned belowthe electrolyzer, electrolyte solution may flow due to gravity from theelectrolyzer to the liquid reservoir and when the electrolyzer ispositioned below the liquid reservoir, electrolyte solution may flow dueto gravity from the liquid reservoir to the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir areconnected together in an assembly and the assembly is rotatably mounted.

In another embodiment, one of the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoiris mounted to the other of the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir arerotatably mounted about a generally horizontal axis of rotation.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer and the generally horizontalaxis of rotation is positioned about midway in an assembly of theelectrolyzer and the liquid reservoir.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an apparatus comprising an electrolyzer, a fluid        reservoir and a first fluid flow path extending between the        electrolyzer and the fluid reservoir, at least one of the        electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir is moveable with respect        to the other so as to be positioned below the other; and,    -   (b) draining electrolyte solution from the electrolyzer to the        fluid reservoir by moving the position of at least one of the        electrolyzer and the fluid reservoir so that the fluid reservoir        is below the electrolyzer.

In one embodiment, the electrolyzer has a fluid flow port, the fluidreservoir has a fluid flow port and the fluid flow path includes theelectrolyzer fluid flow port, the fluid reservoir fluid flow port and avalve and the method further comprises opening the valve.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir andconnected together in an assembly and the method further comprisesrotating the assembly about a generally horizontal axis.

In another embodiment, the electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir andconnected together in an assembly and the assembly has a middle portionand the method further comprises rotating the assembly about an axispassing through the middle portion.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plug which isremovably receivable in a domestic electric outlet and the methodfurther comprises inserting the plug into the domestic electric outletprior to actuating the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises draining electrolytesolution from the electrolyzer to the fluid reservoir and permitting theelectrolyte solution to freeze in the fluid reservoir.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a heating memberthermally connected to the fluid reservoir and the method furthercomprises using the heating member to liquefy electrolyte solution thathas frozen in the fluid reservoir.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises draining theliquefied electrolyte solution from the fluid reservoir to theelectrolyer.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an apparatus comprising an electrolyzer, a fluid        reservoir and a first fluid flow path extending between the        electrolyzer and the fluid reservoir, at least one of the        electrolyzer and the liquid reservoir is moveable with respect        to the other so as to be positioned below the other; and,    -   (b) draining electrolyte solution from the electrolyzer to the        fluid reservoir prior to exposing the apparatus to a temperature        at which the electrolyte solution freezes.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plug which isremovably receivable in a domestic electric outlet and the methodfurther comprises inserting the plug into the domestic electric outletprior to actuating the electrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a heating memberthermally connected to the fluid reservoir and the method furthercomprises using the heating member to liquefy electrolyte solution thathas frozen in the fluid reservoir.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises draining theliquefied electrolyte solution from the fluid reservoir to theelectrolyer.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a domestic apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an electrolyzer;    -   (b) an inlet port for providing liquid to the electrolyzer; and,    -   (c) a burner for gas produced by the electrolyzer.

In one embodiment, the inlet port is positioned to be accessible whenthe electrolyzer is positioned in the domestic apparatus.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer casing andthe inlet port is positioned on the outer casing.

In another embodiment, the domestic apparatus has an outer surface andthe inlet port is positioned to be accessible from the outer surface.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and thedomestic apparatus has a liquid level indicator.

In another embodiment, the inlet port has a removable cap and a liquidlevel warning member whereby a person may refill the appliance when theliquid level warning member signals that the liquid in the electrolyzerhas dropped below a predetermined level.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a n apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) at least one of an electrolyzer which produces a combustible        fuel and a hydrogen storage media;    -   (b) a burner;    -   (c) a first flow path extending between at least one of the        electrolyzer and the hydrogen storage media and the burner;    -   (d) a fan in fluid flow communication with a source of dilution        air and the burner    -   whereby the fan directs dilution air to the burner.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second flow pathextending between the fan and the burner.

In another embodiment, the second flow path is in fluid flowcommunication with the first flow path.

In another embodiment, the apparatus is portable.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plug which isremovably receivable in a domestic electric outlet.

In another embodiment, the apparatus is a domestic appliance

In another embodiment, the apparatus is a cooking appliance.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there isprovided a method to inhibit flashback in an apparatus having at leastone of an electrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) using the at least one of the electrolyzer and the hydrogen        storage media to produce a combustible gas;    -   (b) providing combustible gas to a burner; and,    -   (c) providing sufficient dilution gas under pressure to the        burner to prevent flashback.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises mixing the dilution gasand the combustible gas upstream of the burner.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises storing combustiblegas produced by the electrolyzer in a storage member.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises subsequentlyconveying combustible gas from the storage member to the burner.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises using thecombustible gas to cook food.

In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plug which is receivable in adomestic electric outlet and the method further comprises inserting theplug in the domestic electric outlet prior to actuating theelectrolyzer.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting the amountof dilution gas that is provided to the burner based on the amount ofcombustible gas produced by the electrolyzer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show moreclearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made byway of example to the accompanying drawings, of the preferredembodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the instantinvention employing grooves and an electric heating element;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe instant invention employing grooves, an electric heating element,and a flame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe instant invention employing grooves, slots, an electric heatingelement, and a flame;

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic of an alternative preferred embodimentof the instant invention;

FIG. 5 is an fluidic schematic of the alternative preferred embodimentof the instant invention described in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a further alternative preferred embodiment of the instantinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a grill in accordance with oneembodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grill of FIG. 7 with the lid in theraised position;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the grill of FIG. 7 with the lid in the loweredposition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the grill of FIG. 7 in the disassembledor knocked down form;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the grill of FIG. 7 in the disassembled orknocked down form;

FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of the components inside a main casing ofthe grill of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is an alternate schematic drawing of the components that couldbe positioned inside a main casing of the grill of FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 15 a-15 c are schematic drawings of a method and apparatus todrain an electrolyzer;

FIGS. 16 a-16 c are schematic drawings of an alternate method andapparatus to drain an electrolyzer;

FIGS. 17 a-17 c are schematic drawings of a further alternate method andapparatus to drain an electrolyzer; and,

FIGS. 18 a-18 c are schematic drawings of a further alternate method andapparatus to drain an electrolyzer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the instant invention, an apparatus includes anelectrolyzer. The electrolyzer is used to produce a combustible gas. Forexample, if the electrolyte solution used in the electrolyzer isaqueous, then the electrolyzer will produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.The electrolyzer may be configured to produce separate hydrogen gas andoxygen gas streams (e.g., the electrolyzer may have one or more oxygenoutlet ports and one or more hydrogen outlet ports), or the electrolyzermay be configured to produce a mixed hydrogen gas and oxygen gas streamas is known in the art. Preferably, the combustible gas is hydrogen. Thehydrogen is combusted to produce heat. The heat may be used to producepower, such as by being the heat source for a Stirling engine, or tocook food.

The apparatus is preferably a domestic apparatus (i.e., an apparatuswhich is designed to be used in a domestic location such as a house, anapartment or a cottage) and, more preferably, a cooking appliance.Examples of domestic apparatus include a garden tool (such as a weedtrimmer, a lawn mower and the like), a pressure washer, a charger, a carjack, a fireplace, a power tool (such as a drill, circular saw and thelike) a steam cleaner, a jackhammer, a high temperature means ofdehydrating weeds so as to kill them. Examples of cooking appliancesinclude an indoor grill, an outdoor grill, sandwich maker, a rotisserie,a microwave oven, a conventional oven, a flame wok, a flame tap panyaki, a food steamer, a smoker wherein the hydrogen flame vaporizes,burns or chemically alters an aromatic material which imparts flavorand/or odor (aroma) to food wherein hydrogen is used for cooking.Cooking appliances such as an indoor grill, an outdoor grill, sandwichmaker, a microwave oven and a conventional oven have a cooking surface.The cooking surface is a surface on which food is placed to be cooked(i.e., a food receiving surface), or a support surface on which acontainer in which food is placed for cooking (e.g., a pot, a wok) isplaced. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cooking surface is afood receiving surface, such as may be used in an indoor grill, anoutdoor grill and a sandwich maker. Alternately, the cooking appliancemay have a food support (e.g., a rod of a rotisserie). The food supportsupports the food in a cooking region.

The combustion of hydrogen in air, or a mixed hydrogen and oxygenstream, produces water vapor. Accordingly, an appliance that combustshydrogen may be used indoors without venting the combustion products tothe exterior (such as an exhaust fan that is used with natural gas orpropane heated cook top surfaces) or with reduced venting requirements.Therefore, a cooking apparatus that uses hydrogen permits food to becooked with a flame in an indoor environment. Accordingly, the use of anelectrolyzer permits a consumer to simulate barbeque cooking indoors.Accordingly, a consumer may barbeque food indoors when it is raining, orif they do not have any outdoor space available (e.g. an apartment orcondominium without a balcony or with a balcony but with restrictions onbarbequing).

This specification sets forth several features that may be included inan apparatus that uses an electrolyzer. An apparatus may use one or moreof these features. Accordingly, each feature is an alternate preferredembodiment. It will be appreciated that one or more of the features maybe used in a single apparatus and accordingly various combinations andsub combinations of features may be incorporated into a singleapparatus. The following portion of the specification exemplifies thefeatures as used in a cooking appliance, preferably a domestic cookingappliance, and most preferably a portable domestic cooking appliance.

In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, a food receivingsurface that is configured to permit natural convective currents to formis provided. It will be appreciated that the construction of the foodreceiving surface may be used in any cooking appliance. Heat is providedto cook or reheat food placed on the food receiving surface. The sourceof heat may be electricity and/or a flame. However, it is preferred thatthe configuration of a food receiving surface is utilized in anappliance that uses a flame, alone or in combination with electricalheating. More preferably, the flame is produced by the combustion ofhydrogen produced by an electrolyzer. In another embodiment, thehydrogen combustion is used to heat a ceramic, metal or glass whichradiates energy at a desired frequency to cook food or to enhance thecooking of food and may optionally be used in conjunction with one ormore of hydrogen flames, propane flames, propane infra red heating,electric contact heating, electric infra red heating, microwave cooking,ohmic cooking, steaming, or smoking,

FIG. 1 exemplifies a preferred embodiment wherein the heat source iselectrical resistance heating wherein the heat is conveyed by conductionto a food receiving surface (i.e., electrical contact heating) that isconfigured to produce convection to cook or heat food. In thisembodiment, cooking appliance 10 comprises an electrical heating element12 and a cooking surface 14, which is a food receiving surface as foodmay be cooked thereon. Electrical heating element 12 may be any electricheating element known in the art. Such elements typically comprise anelectric resistance-heating member (i.e., an element that is heated bythe flow of electricity therethrough) and may be a calrod element or aquartz element. Cooking surface 14 is heated by electrical heatingelement 12. Cooking surface is configured so as to permit convectiveairflow below food 16 that is placed on cooking surface 14 and to permitthe convective airflow to directly contact food 16. Accordingly, cookingsurface 14 comprises a discontinuous surface.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, cooking surface comprises a plurality ofribs 18 that are laterally spaced apart so as to have top surfaces 20and sidewalls 22. Top surfaces 20 are in thermal communication withsidewalls 22 and sidewalls 22 are in thermal communication with electricheating element 12. Accordingly, heat may be conveyed by conduction totop surface 20. Electric heating element 12 may be in thermalcommunication with base 24. For example, base 24 may incorporate, eitherby mechanical attachment or as a cast in element, electric heatingelement 12. Ribs 18 may be removably mounted on base 24. For example,ribs 18 may merely rest on the upper surface of base 24. Therefore, ribs18 may be removed so that ribs 18 may be cleaned or used to serve foodcooked thereon. It will be appreciated that the upper surface of base 24may function as a drip tray and that base 24 may be removably mounted toa cooking appliance. Alternately, ribs 18 may be affixed to base 24.Therefore, ribs 18 and base 24 may be removably mounted to a cookingappliance. In either case, top surfaces 20 may be heated to a desiredcooking temperature and therefore, may function as contact grillingelements. In use, food cooked on top surfaces 20 may have grill marksthereon if top surfaces 20 are heated sufficiently. It will beappreciated, that in an alternate embodiment, top surfaces 20 may haveelectric heating elements associated therewith or may in fact compriseelectric heating elements. Accordingly, a base 24 need not be required.A drip tray or the like may be provided underneath ribs 18.

If top surfaces 20 are heated by an electric heating element positionedbelow the surfaces as shown in FIG. 1, then sidewalls 22 may be hollowor solid provided that they function as heat transfer members.Accordingly, ribs 18 may be constructed as heat exchange members thatare in thermal communication with electric heating element 12. Ribs 18may be affixed to or integrally cast with the base 24. Ribs 18 areconstructed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum,copper, cast iron or steel.

Top surfaces 20 are separated by a gap 26 so as to define an open space28 below top surface 20. The rear of sidewalls 20 have a height H andthe front of sidewalls 22 have a height H′. Heights H and H′ may be thesame or different. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1, heightH, H′ and gap 26 between adjacent top surfaces 20 are dimensioned topermit convection currents 30 to be established below food 16 to assisttop surfaces 20 to cook food. The height H, H′ of sidewalls 22 maybemore than 0.75 inches, preferably 0.75 to 3 inches, more preferably 1.0inches to 2.0 inches, and most preferably 1.25-1.5 inches and the gap 26between top surfaces 20 maybe greater than 0.125 inches, preferablybetween 0.125 to 2 inches, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 inches, and mostpreferably 0.75 to 1.0 inches in order to create the convection aircurrents 30 under the food 16 being cooked.

It will be appreciated that as heat is applied to cooking surface 14,natural convection currents will be induced in open spaces 28.Accordingly, food 16 will be cooked by both conduction (contact heatingfrom top surfaces 20) and convection. Preferably, the convectivecurrents 30 have a rise rate of 1 to 100 inches per second, morepreferably 3-50 inches per second and most preferably 5-20 inches persecond. Height H, H′ and gap 26 may be selected to produce such riserates. The convection currents are established below the central portionof the food 16 being cooked, and not just at the edges. The grooves ofcurrent contact cooking appliances do not create convection currentssuitable for cooking food. Further, the grooves often trap moisturedripping from the food, which tends to boil the food rather thansimulating a flame grilling experience.

It will be appreciated that as food 16 is cooked, fat may drip andcollect on base 24. Therefore, base 24 may function as a drip tray. Insuch a case, base 24 is preferably inclined so as to cause the fat thatlands on base 24 to flow to a collection area for disposal. Accordingly,the upper surface of base 24 is preferably solid. In an alternateconstruction, base 24 may be configured to permit fat to pass below base24 where it is collected. Base 24 may be inclined by an angle A relativeto the horizontal plane 32 of 0 to 20 degrees, preferably 2 to 12degrees, and more preferably 5 to 8 degrees.

In an alternate construction, base 24 may be horizontal and the heightsH, H′ may be varied to create an angle of 0 to 20 degrees, preferably 2to 12 degrees, and more preferably 5 to 8 degrees relative to thehorizontal.

It is understood that ribs 18 could be applied to only the top surfaceof food 16 or to both the top and bottom surfaces of the food 16 toenhance the rate of cooking, e.g., by providing heat to both the upperand lower surfaces of food that is to be cooked or heated. Therefore, afood receiving surface may be positioned below and/or above food to becooked in the cooking appliance.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, a cookingsurface that is dimensioned to produce natural convective currents isprovided and the food is cooked by combustion of a fuel and/orelectrical heating. For example, the cooking appliance 10 of thealternate preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 combines electrical contactheating and cooking using a combustible fuel. Accordingly, a burner isprovided that may be the sole source of heat, may be used alternatelywith electric heating element 12, and, preferably, is usedsimultaneously therewith. It will be appreciated that one or moreburners may be positioned so as to provide heat to only a portion ofcooking surface 14 (e.g., the portion which is not heated by the burnerwill be cooler and may be used to cook food slower or to keep food thathas been cooked warm until it is to be served) or under all of cookingsurface 14. Burner 34 may be positioned in some or all open spaces 28and may be positioned adjacent base 24. Preferably, the burner isrecessed sufficiently such that a user may not insert a finger to touchthe burner and, more preferably, a user may not insert a finger to aposition that would be the tip of a flame. Preferably, the burners arepositioned underneath the solid portion of the grill surface or cookingsurface, or baffles thereunder, to prevent a person from touching theflame.

The burner may be any burner known in the art. In accordance withanother aspect of this invention, as exemplified in FIG. 2, burner 34comprises one or more manifolds 36 which incorporate a series of ports38 through which a combustible fuel (gas, liquid or solid) is deliveredto create flames 40 which will provide heat, or additional heat, to cookthe food and to enhance convective air currents 30. The flames 40 can beused to cook the food 16, or the electric heating element 12 can be usedto cook the food 16, or a combination thereof can be used to cook thefood 16.

The diameter of the ports 38 may be 0.001 to 0.035 inches, preferably0.003 to 0.025 inches, more preferably 0.005 to 0.012 and mostpreferably between 0.007 and 0.010 inches. The wall thickness ofmanifold 36 is preferably 0.02 to 0.100 inches, more preferably 0.005 to0.035 inches, and most preferably 0.010 to 0.020 inches. The interiordiameter of manifold 36 and the tubing, which connects manifold 36 to anelectrolyzer, is preferably 0.020 to 0.5 inches, more preferably 0.025to 0.250 inches, and most preferably 0.050 to 0.125 inches. The ports 38are preferably produced by cutting with a laser beam or by drilling atvery high speeds. Manifold 36 may be made of aluminum, steel, brass,copper, stainless steel, nickel or any other high temperature metal,glass, plastic, or composite. The spacing between the orifices or ports38 may be 0.125 to 2 inches, preferably 0.5 to 2 inches, and morepreferably 1.0 to 1.5 inches. The axis defined by the flow of gasthrough the orifices 38 may be between −10 degrees and plus 30 degrees(upwards) relative to the surface 14.

The cooking surface may comprise a food receiving surface (e.g. ribs 18)and an electrical heating member (e.g. electric heating element 12 inbase 24). The food receiving surface and the electrical heating membermay be a unitary construction (i.e. they may be assembled as a unit).Preferably, the food receiving surface and the electrical heating memberare removably mounted to the cooking appliance such that both the foodreceiving surface and the electrical heating member are removed from thecooking appliance at the same time (as a single element). For example,an electric heating element 12 may be integrated into the food receivingsurface. As shown in FIG. 14, each cooking surface 136 and 200 isslidable receivable in brackets 208. Each cooking surfaces 136 and 200has electrical contacts 210 on the rear thereof. Mating contacts 212 areprovided in the bracket 208. Accordingly, when cooking surface 136, 200is slide into position in bracket 208, the electric heating element iselectrically connected to the appliance. It will be appreciated thatmating contacts 212 may be connected to a source of current by any meansknown in the art, e.g., they may be hard wired to the electronic controlpackage 214. Contacts 210, 212 may be any such electrical connectorsknown in the art.

Alternately, the food receiving surface may be removably received on theelectrical heating member (e.g., being seated on base 24 or removablysecured to base 24). It will be appreciated that the food receivingsurface may be removably mounted to electric heating element 12 and thatelectric heating element 12 need not be mounted in a base.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, orifices 38are preferably placed such that the drippings from the food 16 cookingwill not drip onto them thereby preventing foreign materials fromcontaminating, clogging or damaging the ports 38 through which thecombustible gas flows. Preferably, the cooking surface has openingsprovided therein and the cooking surface is positioned above the burnerand configured to direct liquid produced when food is cooked away fromthe burner ports 38. The openings permit the combustion products to riseup and directly contact food that is on the cooking surface. The cookingsurface may be angled downwardly towards these openings. For example,the cooking surface may be generally corrugated with the openingsprovided in the troughs of the corrugations. Preferably, thecorrugations are generally V shaped.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, the combustionproducts may be utilized to heat the ribs 18. For example, if sidewalls22 are hollow and have an open bottom, then the ports 38 may bepositioned beneath top surfaces 20 and below sidewalls 22 such that thecombustion products rise up to heat the lower side of top surfaces 20.It will be appreciated that ports 38 may be positioned between sidewalls22 and, accordingly, the flame is located within ribs 18. In a furtheralternate embodiment, the combustion products may be conveyed through apassage to the hollow space internal of ribs 18. In such a case, ports38 need not be positioned below cooking surface 14 provided thecombustion products are conveyed to flow through the ribs.

The combustible gas may be ignited by any means known in the arts. Forexample, a user may manually light burner 34 when fuel is supplied toports 38. For example, a user may place a lit match adjacent the fuelinlet source. Preferably, an ignition member 42 is provided. Theignition member may be any ignition member known in the art. Manuallyignition members (e.g. spark generators that are powered electrically)are known in the barbeque and cook top arts. Accordingly, ignitionmember 42 may be positioned adjacent to and below one or more of theports 38 of the manifold 36 to provide a means of igniting thecombustible fuel. Preferably the ignition member 42 is positionedsufficiently close to the ports 38 to ignite the combustible fueldelivered by the manifold 36 yet remain sufficiently distant that it isnot damaged by the flames 40 during cooking. The ignition member 42 maybe an electrically heated wire made of nichrome or another suitablematerial that can sustain high temperature operation. Alternatively, theignition member 42 may be a wire to which high voltage is applied andwhich is mounted such that sparks will occur periodically between thegrounded manifold 36 and the ignition member 42 in areas sufficientlyproximal to the ports 38 so as to ignite the combustible fuel. Theignition member 42 may be a hot wire ignition member that is placed0.050″ to 0.125″ away from the ports 38.

The ignition member may either be activated by the user when the cookingappliance is first turned on or, preferably, it may remain active duringthe entire cooking process to ensure that if the flame 40 wereextinguished by accident, such as fluid from the food dripping onto theflame, the flame would quickly be re-lit.

The combustible fuel may be a fuel that is currently used for cooking orheating such as methane (natural gas), propane, butane, naptha, ormethylated spirits. Preferably, hydrogen gas may be used as thecombustible fuel. An advantage of the use of hydrogen is that theproduct gasses of combustion need not be vented. Preferably, thehydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, theapparatus includes a hydrogen storage member other than a pressurizedcanister. The hydrogen gas may be stored in a hydrogen storage media,such as a metal hydride, carbon nano-tubes, a hydrogen salt, a metalsalt, or in a plastic, ceramic, or glass adsorptive material, or acombination of these various materials and used as required, e.g., forcooking. Many such methods art known in the art and any such method maybe used herein. Some hydrogen storage media, such as magnesium hydrides,micro-porous oxides, metal nitrides or zeolites or a combination thereofabsorb hydrogen at ambient temperatures and moderate top high pressuresbut only release hydrogen at elevated temperatures or when an electriccurrent is passed through the material. Therefore, such storage mediaprovide a safe method for storing hydrogen as there is no concern that apressurized storage container will leak.

An apparatus which uses such a storage media preferably has a heatsource to heat the hydrogen storage media. For example, the hydrogenstorage media may have an electrical resistance heating element inthermal contact therewith. When hydrogen is required, current may beprovided to the electrical resistance heating element so as to releasehydrogen. Preferably, the amount of current that is applied is variable(e.g., a variable rheostat). Accordingly, as more current is applied,more hydrogen is released. Therefore, the settings on, e.g., a variablerheostat, may be labeled as low heat, medium heat and high heat or thelike. The current for the electrical resistance heating element may beprovided from a domestic electric outlet (e.g., the apparatus may beplugged in). Accordingly, in operation, the apparatus may be connectedto a domestic electric outlet. When hydrogen is required, current may beprovided to the electrical resistance heating element at a desired rateto produce a desired flow of hydrogen.

Alternately, if it is intended to operate the apparatus at a locationwhen no electric supply is available, a battery or other current storagemember may be provided. The current storage member may be used toprovide current to heat the electrical resistance heating element tocause the hydrogen storage media to release hydrogen at the locationwhere the apparatus is to be used. For example, if the apparatus is acooking appliance, the appliance may be plugged in and charged indoorsat a residence. The hydrogen storage media may then also be charged. Theappliance may then be taken, e.g., on a picnic where no electricalsupply is available such as in a park, and the appliance used to cookfood using stored hydrogen and current.

In an alternate embodiment, the hydrogen storage media may be removablyreceivable in an apparatus. Alternately, or in addition, the apparatusmay be adapted to receive one or more hydrogen storage media.Accordingly an apparatus may be provided with hydrogen from two or morehydrogen storage media. The hydrogen storage media may be usedsequentially (to expand the operating time of the apparatus) orconcurrently (to expand the amount of hydrogen available to theapparatus).

In a further alternate embodiment, the apparatus may comprise, or be, acharger. The charger has a member (e.g. an electrolyzer) that provideshydrogen that is stored in the hydrogen storage media. One or morehydrogen storage members is placed in the charger and, e.g. one or moreelectrolyzers operated to provide hydrogen that is stored. The hydrogenstorage member or members may then be removed and placed in a secondapparatus to provide hydrogen to the second apparatus. For example, theapparatus may be a cooking appliance and the hydrogen storage media mayprovide hydrogen for cooking. Alternately, the apparatus may be adomestic apparatus such as a garden tool, a power tool, a pressurewasher and a car jack. The hydrogen storage media may be designed to beinterchangeably received in two or more different domestic apparatus.Accordingly, the hydrogen storage media may be of a common size that isreceivable in different domestic apparatus and similar to, e.g., an AAor C battery. One advantage of this design is that the hydrogen storagemedia permits electricity to be stored as hydrogen and subsequently usedby combusting the hydrogen to provide heat for cooking or power.

Accordingly, the hydrogen storage media may be refilled or replaced witha full storage member as required. Alternatively, or in addition, thehydrogen gas that is stored in the hydrogen storage media may be createdby electrolysis or by a chemical reaction in an apparatus.

In a further alternate embodiment, some or all of the hydrogen gas thatis produced may be consumed as it is used and the remainder may bestored. Alternately, some or all of the hydrogen gas that is producedmay be stored as it is produced and the remainder may be consumed. Forexample, the hydrogen gas could be produced by electrolysis or byanother chemical or electrochemical reaction and stored either in abottle under pressure or in a metal hydride from which the hydrogen issubsequently withdrawn when it is required for cooking. Thus, forinstance, cooking appliance 10 employing hydrogen gas as the combustiblefuel could create hydrogen, e.g. by the electrolysis of an aqueouselectrolyte solution such as potassium hydroxide when electricity costsare low or when renewable energy from wind or solar power is available,and store the hydrogen produced until the hydrogen is needed forcooking. Subsequently, the stored hydrogen could be used. Alternately,some or all of the hydrogen gas could be used for cooking concurrentlywhile hydrogen gas is produced.

For example, if cooking appliance 10 includes an electrolyzer, then someor all of the oxygen produced by the electrolysis may be used to combustthe hydrogen. The hydrogen and oxygen may be collected from theheadspace of the electrolyzer and conveyed through the same passage tomanifold 36. Alternately, the hydrogen and oxygen may be separatelycollected from the electrolyzer and provided to ports 38 via separatepassages. Accordingly, the hydrogen and oxygen may be mixed at ports 38.It is also possible to provide only hydrogen gas to the ports 38 and toburn the hydrogen with atmospheric oxygen.

An advantage of an alternate embodiment that uses a hydrogen storagemedia is that the hydrogen produced can be withdrawn from the hydrogenstorage media and burned at a rate that is greater than the rate ofenergy delivery to the electrolyzer to create the hydrogen gasoriginally. For example, an appliance that is plugged into a standardNorth American household electrical outlet may draw 1500 W of energy.This electricity could be used (e.g. for 1 hour) to produce hydrogenthat is stored. When cooking appliance 10 is utilized, the storedhydrogen could be combusted at the same time as electricity drawn fromthe household outlet is utilized to provide electric heating andadditional hydrogen. Accordingly, cooking appliance 10 could deliver thehydrogen produced at a rate of 3,000 W for a period of time thusaccelerating the rate at which food can be cooked. It will beappreciated that several cooking modes could be utilized including (1)combustion of the stored hydrogen and using the electricity drawn duringcooking to power electric heating, (2) combustion of the stored hydrogenand using the electricity drawn during cooking to power electric heatingand to produce additional hydrogen, (3) using the electricity drawnduring cooking to power electric heating and to produce additionalhydrogen and to not utilize the stored hydrogen and (4) unplugging thecooking appliance and using only the stored hydrogen for cooking(electrical heating and/or combustion of hydrogen, wherein the hydrogenwas previously produced and stored). Accordingly, the cooking appliancecould be recharged inside a house and used outside, such as on a patioor balcony (if there is no convenient electrical outlet outside, or usedat a remote picnic site).

It will be appreciated that the use of stored energy in the form ofhydrogen in an appliance, including a portable appliance, can also beused for other appliances. Such appliances can provide one or more ofthe following functions: space heating; water heating; electricitygeneration by hydrogen injection into a fuel cell; refrigeration or airconditioning through an adsorption cycle such as ammonia cyclerefrigeration; electricity generation by hydrogen combustion within athermopile or thermoelectric generator; electricity generation byhydrogen combustion with an turbine, internal combustion, externalcombustion, Stirling or Manson engine or other prime mover connected toa generator.

Alternatively, cooking appliance 10 may also be constructed which bothcreates hydrogen by any means such as hydrolysis and withdraws storedhydrogen to create the hydrogen flow rate to achieve the desired heatfor cooking.

It will be appreciated that if a hydrogen storage media is provided,that the hydrogen storage media is downstream from the electrolyzer andupstream from a burner. If the burner can concurrently burn hydrogenfrom the hydrogen storage media and hydrogen from the electrolyzer, thenthe burner may be in fluid flow communication with both the hydrogenstorage media, which is in turn in fluid flow communication with theelectrolyzer, and the electrolyzer. Suitable valves may be provided topermit a consumer to select the desired source or sources of hydrogen.

FIG. 3 exemplifies an alternate embodiment of a cooking appliance 10that employs several aspects of the invention. In particular, thecooking appliance employs both cooking electrical contact heating andcooking using a combustible fuel. In this embodiment, cooking appliance10 is configured as a traditional grill. Accordingly, cooking surface 14comprises a grill having a series of slots 44 and, in addition,preferably grooves 46 that facilitate the flow of fluid from the cookingprocess away from the food being cooked. Cooking surface 14 may beconstructed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum,copper, cast iron and steel. At least one, and preferably a plurality,of electrical heating elements 12 are incorporated into or onto cookingsurface 14 so as to be in thermal communication with cooking surface 14.It will be appreciated that cooking surface 14 may alternatelyessentially consist of one or more electrical heating elements 12. Itwill also be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, grooves 46 maybe replaced by slots 44.

Utilizing a further aspect of the invention, slots 44, and preferablyslots 44 and grooves 46, are dimensioned to permit convection currents30 to be established below food to assist cooking surface 14 to cookfood. Preferably, convective air currents 30 have a rise rate of 1 to1000 inches per second, more preferably 3-100 inches per second and mostpreferably 5-50 inches per second. Slots 44 may be 0.25 to 3 inches wideand 0.25 to 24 inches long, preferably 0.375 to 1.0 inches wide and 1 to6 inches long, and more preferably 0.5 to 0.75 inches wide and 2 to 4inches long. Alternately, or in addition, grooves 46 may be 0.125 to 1.0inches wide and 0.125 to 2 inches deep, preferably 0.25 to 0.75 incheswide and 0.25 to 0.75 inches deep, and more preferably 0.375 to 0.5inches wide and 0.375 to 0.5 inches deep to facilitate the flow of fluidfrom the cooking process away from the food being cooked. Accordingly,slots 44 and the grooves 46 create a geometry that facilitatesconvection air currents 30 under the food being cooked.

It is understood that the grill plate of FIG. 3 could be applied to bothsides of food to enhance the rate of cooking. Accordingly, a cookingappliance may have an upper cooking member and a lower cooking surface.In such an embodiment, the lower cooking surface is preferably a foodreceiving surface. Upper cooking member may be any cooking member knownin the art (i.e., any member that provides heat to the upper surface offood in a cooking region) and, preferably, is any cooking surfacedisclosed herein and, more preferably, is a food receiving surface thatis heated. The upper food receiving surface may be electrically heatedand/or heated by combustion products (e.g. hot combustion gasses beingpassed through or over the upper food receiving surface). Preferably atleast one, and more preferably both, of the upper and lower cookingsurfaces is removably mounted to the cooking appliance.

As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, cooking surface 14 may be horizontalor inclined.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, the grill plateof FIG. 3 is also preferably provided with a burner 34. In such anembodiment, slots 44 may be of any particular configuration that permitsflames 40 from the burner 34 to directly heat food on cooking surface14. Alternately, slots 44 may be dimensioned to permit the formation ofconvective air currents 30 having the rise rate set out herein. It willbe appreciated that ports 38 may be positioned below the solid portionsof cooking surface 14, i.e., not under slots 44, thereby reducing thelikelihood of fat and other liquids dripping onto ports 38.

In accordance with another alternate aspect of this invention, inoperation, a user may plug the appliance into an electrical outlet. Thisstep is not required if the unit is hard wired. When the apparatus isconnected to an electrical source, or if the apparatus is being operatedon a battery that powers the release of hydrogen from a hydrogen storagemedia, the user may then turn the apparatus on. Preferably, the useractuates a single control that commences the operation of theelectrolyzer and the ignition member. When a sufficient amount of gashas been produced to produce a constant flame, a valve may open topermit the gas to be provided to a burner. The ignition member isoperating thereby resulting in the gas automatically being ignited whenit flows to the burner. Alternately, the circuit may include a timer,pressure sensor, flow sensor or the like that causes the ignition memberto be actuated when gas starts flowing to the burner (e.g., in the caseof a sparking ignition member). If the ignition member is a heated wire,then the timer, pressure sensor, flow sensor or the like may cause theignition wire to commence heating sufficiently in advance of the gasflowing to the burner such that the ignition wire is at temperature whenthe gas reaches the burner. It will be appreciated that the singlecontrol may be a start button that is pushed and held down by a consumeruntil a flame is produced (e.g. a lamp light indicating that the buttonmay be released or a light extinguished indicating that the button maybe released). Alternately, the start button may merely be pressed andthe circuit configured to maintain the operation of the electrolyzer andthe ignition member during the start up sequence.

For example, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary wiring diagram for the hydrogenflame-cooking appliance described in FIG. 3 components of which may behoused in electronic control package 214. Circuit 48 includes a sourceof electricity 50, an on/off switch 52, electrical heating element 12and electrolyzer 54. Source 50 may be a household electrical outlet. InNorth America, this is typically a 120 VAC outlet and in Europe it maybe a 240 VAC outlet. On/off switch 28, accordingly may be rated 120/240VAC, 15 A and is preferably a single pole, single throw switch to turnall power to the unit on and off. A lamp 70 may be wired with on/offswitch 52 to indicate when the switch is set to “on”. In a preferredembodiment, the appliance is designed to operate on household current.Therefore, the appliance may be a portable countertop appliance. In suchan embodiment, a user may place the appliance on a countertop and plugit in when it is desired, e.g., to cook. Alternately, the appliancecould be stored on the counter top. The user may then plug the appliancein and then turn the unit on to, e.g., start cooking. It will beappreciate that the appliance could be hard wired.

Heating element 12, e.g. for a lower cooking surface, may beelectrically wired through a manually adjustable temperature control 76,such as a variable spring for a bi-metallic element, to allow the userto vary the temperature of heating element 12. This can be accomplishedwith a mechanical lever or knob. One or more additional heating elements12 a, e.g. for an upper cooking surface, may be electrically connectedin series with the electrolyzer 54 and optionally in series with theignition member 42.

The cooking appliance may incorporate one or more safety features. Theseinclude pressure switch 56, pressure switch 60 and three way valve 66.

Preferably, as a safety feature, circuit 48 includes pressure switch 56.As shown in FIG. 5, gas produced in electrolyzer 54 travels to manifold36 via pressure switch 56. Pressure switch 56 is configured to close ata predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure may be the minimumpressure to achieve a gas flow rate at the ports 38 that prevents aflame traveling upstream past the ports 38. Preferably, the gas flowrate exceeds the flame propagation rate for the fuel being used (i.e. arate sufficiently fast to prevent flashback). Preferably, the gas flowspeed is 2-10× higher than the flame propagation rate of the hydrogenand oxygen gas mixture produced by electrolyzer 54, and more preferably3-5× faster. Pressure switch 56 may be a double pole, single throw,switch that is normally open. Accordingly, pressure switch 56 may be setto prevent “flashback” into the electrolyzer 54 and to keep the flameaway from the wall of the manifold 36 thereby keeping the manifold cooland maintaining the integrity of the ports 38. In typical applications,pressure switch 56 may be actuated, i.e., closed, when a pressure of 0.1to 3.0 pounds per square inch (PSIG) of pressure is applied at inletport 58, and more preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 pounds per square inch(PSIG), and most preferably between 0.75 and 1.0 pounds per square inch(PSIG). Typically, such pressures ensure that the flow velocity of thecombustible gas within the burner 34 is maintained above a minimum flowto prevent flame propagation down the tube that can cause a “flashback”.

Second pressure switch 60 is configured to open when a predeterminedpressure is exceeded. Second pressure switch 60 may be a normally closedcontact that opens when a predetermined maximum operating pressure forthe electrolyzer 54 is reached based on its mechanical integrity. Formany consumer applications, a pressure of 3 to 150 pounds per squareinch (PSIG) is preferably the maximum allowable pressure, morepreferably 4 to 50 pounds per square inch (PSIG), and most preferably 5to 10 pounds per square inch (PSIG). Pressure switch 60 limits themaximum pressure developed by the cooking appliance 10 if a blockageoccurs, e.g., in a manifold, a hydrogen storage media and/or a flowpassage. If the pressure exceeds the maximum pressure set, circuit 48opens and the power to electrolyzer 54 is interrupted which stops theproduction of gas. Pressure switch may include an outlet port 62. Port62 may vent the gas to the ambient and/or to a hydrogen storage media.Accordingly, when the predetermined pressure is exceeded, outlet port 62opens and the excess pressure is relieved. If the pressure decreasesbelow the maximum pressure set (such as by the excess pressure beingreleased through outlet port 62), outlet port 62 will close and thenormally closed contacts of pressure switch 60 close and power isrestored and gas production resumes. This also controls variations inproduction due to input voltage fluctuations.

If pressure switch 56 is provided, then a flame igniter switch 64 isalso preferably provided. When closed, flame igniter switch 64essentially bypasses the contacts of pressure switch 56 thereby allowingcurrent to flow through the hot wire ignition member 42 and through theelectrolyzer 54, which begins the production of gas while the three-waysolenoid valve 66 remains mechanically closed. Flame igniter switch 64may be a momentary contact switch rated at 120/240 VAC, 15 A,incorporating a single pole, single throw switch. The fluidicconnections of the three-way valve 66 are shown in FIG. 5. Once thepressure within the electrolyzer reaches a pressure which represents theminimum pressure to achieve a gas flow rate at the ports 38 whichexceeds, e.g., the flame propagation rate for the fuel being used, thecontacts of pressure switch 56 close, an option signal is actuated(e.g., lamp 68 is lit) and the user can release the flame igniter switch64. The lamp 68 may optionally be replaced with a resistor in serieswith a light emitting diode.

Lamp 68 is also preferred wired so that lamp 68 is on when three-wayvalve 66 is powered by means of the pressure switch 56. The three-wayvalve 66 is configured to connect manifold 36 in fluid flowcommunication with electrolyzer 54 when pressure switch 56 is closed andto connect manifold 36 in fluid flow communication with the atmospherevia passage 72 when pressure switch 56 is open. Accordingly, three wayvalve 66 may be a three way solenoid valve that is wired such that whencurrent flows through pressure switch 56, valve 66 is opened and valve66 permits hydrogen and/or hydrogen and oxygen gas to flow to manifold36 from the electrolyzer 54. The three-way solenoid 66 is alsopreferably mechanically arranged such that it closes, e.g., in 1-20milliseconds, more preferably 1-10 milliseconds, and most preferablybetween 1-4 milliseconds, when pressure switch 56 opens therebydiverting the gas from the manifold 36 to atmosphere via passage 72.When the three way solenoid valve is de-energized, the burner 34 isconnected to atmosphere, the pressure and velocity of thehydrogen/oxygen gas mixture reduces, and the flame propagates into theburner, through the valve 66 and then to atmosphere thereby preventing a“flashback” into the electrolyzer 54.

The fluidic passages, seats and seals of the three way solenoid valve 66are preferably made of stainless steel or another material that is notdamaged by the gases produced by electrolysis or the combustion gases,e.g., Viton or other chemically inert seals.

Preferably, hot wire ignition member 42 is electrically connected inseries with the electrolyzer 54. Thus, if the hot wire ignition member42 is damaged, the flow of hydrogen/oxygen gas will stop, as no powerwill flow to electrolyzer 54. This is a simple built-in safety system.In addition, one or more electric cooking elements 12 may also be wiredin series with electrolyzer 54 and igniter 42. Accordingly, if ignitionmember 42 is damaged, then no power will flow to the electric cookingelements. This will provide a signal to the user that the ignitionmember is damaged. Preferably heating element 12 a is electricallyconnected in series with the hot wire ignition member 42 and theelectrolyzer 54. The voltage drop across heating element 12 a ensuresthat the voltage supplied to the hot wire ignition member 42 andelectrolyzer 54 is within the required range for normal operation.

If power source 50 is an alternating current source, then an AC to DCconverter, such as four diodes or bridge rectifier 74, is employed toconvert the alternating input current into the direct current requiredby the electrolyzer 54.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the apparatusincludes one or more spargers that are positioned in the fluid flowpassage from the source of hydrogen (the electrolyzer and/or thehydrogen storage media) and the burner (see for example FIG. 12). Oneadvantage of such a design is that the sparger prevents a flame fromtraveling backwards upstream of the sparger to the electrolyzer and/orthe hydrogen storage media. In addition, the sparger humidifies the gasstream thereby providing additional water in the cooking region andassisting to prevent food from being dried out while cooking or heatingfood in the cooking region. If the apparatus does not have a hydrogenstorage media, then one or more spargers may be positioned in the fluidflow path from the electrolyzer to the burner. If the apparatus has ahydrogen storage media and no electrolyzer (e.g., in the case of acharger), then one or more spargers may be positioned in the fluid flowpath from the hydrogen storage media to the burner. If the apparatus hasan electrolyzer and a hydrogen storage media and if the flow paths fromthe electrolyzer and the hydrogen storage media merge upstream of theburner, then one or more sparges may be positioned upstream of theburner and downstream from the position at which the flow paths merge orthe flow paths may merge at the sparger (e.g., a flow path may beprovided from the electrolyzer to the sparger and a flow path may beprovided from the hydrogen storage media to the sparger). Alternately,separate flow paths may be provided from the electrolyzer to the burnerand from the hydrogen storage media to the burner and each flow path mayhave one or more spargers therein.

For example, referring to FIG. 5, a preferred schematic diagram of theconnection of electrolyzer 54 to burner 34 is shown. Accordingly,electrolyzer 54 produces a hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture that may passthrough tube 78 into the sparger 80, which produces a series of bubbles82 in the water 84 in the sparger chamber 86. The hydrogen and oxygengas mixture then passes from the headspace 88 of the sparger chamber 86through tube 90 into pressure switch 56, through tube 92 into pressureswitch 60, through tube 94 and into the three-way solenoid valve 66. Ifthe three-way solenoid valve 66 is energized, the hydrogen and oxygengas flow through tube 96 through the optional check valve 98, throughthe tube 100 to manifold 36. If the three way solenoid valve 66 isde-energized, the hydrogen and oxygen gas flow is interrupted and themanifold 36 is connected through tube 100, through check valve 98,through tube 96 and through the three way solenoid valve 66 to tube 72which vents to atmosphere.

The use of sparger 80 has several advantages. First, as the hydrogen andoxygen gas mixture passes through the sparger chamber 86, the passage ofthe hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture through water or other suitablefluid in the sparger chamber 80 removes traces of the electrolyte usedin the electrolyzer 54. In addition, the hydrogen and oxygen gas mixtureis humidified. The humidity added by the passage through the sparger 80assists in preventing food that is being cooked from drying out. Forexample, without being limited by theory, it is believed that the watervapour that is picked up will condense on cold surfaces, such as theunderside of a lid that is positioned on the cooking surface. Thisraises the humidity level in the air around the food (the cookingregion) assisting in maintaining a suitable moisture level in the food.A further advantage is that the sparger prevents flashback along thehydrogen and oxygen gas feed line to the electrolyzer. For example,should the flame travel backward through tube 94, the flame will enterthe sparger chamber where it will be contained. The flame cannot passupstream past the sparger chamber 86 and enter tube 78.

In one preferred embodiment, the sparger chamber, or at least a portionthereof, is translucent or transparent, and preferably transparent andpositioned such the a user may view the translucent or transparentportion or portions of the sparger chamber 86 when the appliance is inuse. One advantage of this embodiment is that the user may view the gasbubbling through the sparger chamber 86. This provides visualconfirmation to a user that the electrolyzer is working. In a morepreferred embodiment, a light, such as a LED, is placed inside thesparger chamber, or is positioned external thereto but directed toilluminate the interior of the sparger chamber. The illuminationprovided by a light or lights internal or external of the spargerchamber 86 enhances the ability of a user to view the bubbles passingthrough the sparger chamber 86 and enhance the ability of the user toobtain visual confirmation that the electrolyzer is operating.

In an alternate embodiment, it will be appreciated that a cookingappliance may use a combustible fuel produced in the cooking applianceand may not utilize any electrical heating elements. Accordingly, one orburners may be supplied by an electrolyzer and/or a hydrogen storagemedia. For example, FIG. 6 shows an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe instant invention wherein electric heating elements are not embeddedin the grill plate 102. The flames 40 serve to heat the air below thegrill plate 102 creating, preferably, convection air currents 30 underthe food 16 being cooked as well as heating the grill plate 102 whoseheat transfer is preferably enhanced by an optional series of fins 104on the lower surface of the grill plate 102. The fins 104 serve totransfer some of the heat from the flames 40 into the grill plate 102more quickly to facilitate more rapid cooking and better charring of thefood 16 being cooked. Optionally, a second set of flames can be directedto primarily heat fins 104. It will be appreciated that the cookingsurface may use any construction disclosed herein and the components maybe connected as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In any of the forgoing embodiments, an optional upper heating elementmay be used to cook the top surface of food 16. Such a heating elementmay be a hydrogen flame burner such as burner 34, a hydrogen screenburner that provides radiant heating, an electric radiant heatingelement, a contact cooking surface that is electrically heated and/orheated by combustion, or a microwave energy source. Thus, the upperheating element may be used to cook food 16, or the flames 40 may beused to cook food 16, or the electric heating element 12, 12 a may beused to cook food 16, or a combination thereof can be used to cook food16.

It will also be appreciated that the only cooking element of a cookingappliance 10 may be an upper heating element, which is powered by acombustible fuel produced in cooking appliance 10.

It will also be appreciated that the cooking appliance 10 may be arotisserie, i.e., the cooking appliance has a cooking support thatcomprises a rod for a rotisserie wherein the rod is rotatably mounted inthe cooking appliance in the cooking region. The cooking region may beheated by combustion of a combustible gas produced by one or moreelectrolyzers. The gas may be burned in a burner and/or a radiantheating member. Alternately, electrical heating may also be used.

An alternate wiring schematic is shown in FIG. 4 a. In FIG. 4 a, aconstant power supply 110 is provided. In this embodiment, twothermostats are provided—high temperate thermostat 112 and low temperatethermostat 114. Accordingly, a user may operate switch 120 to switchbetween a high temperature mode and low temperature mode. A variablethermostat may alternately, or in addition, be provided. When the unitis to be used, a user may plug in the appliance (e.g. insert plug 50into an outlet) and then turn on main on/off switch 52 and press button116 which closes switches 118 and 64. When electrolyzer 54 has producedsufficient gas to open low pressure switch 56, then solenoid 66 opensand gas will from the burners. Optional light 68 will illuminate toindicate to a user that pressure switch 56 is closed and that they mayrelease button 56. As igniter 42 is heated while electrolyzer 54 isoperating, when solenoid 66 opens and gas flows to the burners, theigniter is sufficiently hot to ignite the gas. As shown in FIG. 4 a, afuse may also be provided.

The appliance may be used or stored in a location wherein the ambienttemperature may be below the freezing point of the fluid in theelectrolyzer. If the fluid freezes in the electrolyzer, then the shapeof the electrodes may be deformed, resulting in a change in theoperating characteristics of the electrolyzer (e.g., the efficiency ofthe unit or the ability of the unit to operate). Accordingly, in analternate embodiment, the electrolyzer is configured to be able to bedrained of fluid. In such a case, one or more drain ports may beprovided to withdraw fluid from the electrolyzer and are preferablypositioned in the lowest portion of the electrolyzer. Any openable drainport known in the art may be used. For example, the drain port may besealed with a drain plug that comprises a screw on cap, a bayonetmounted cap, a snap on cap, or the like or alternately a ball valve orthe like may be used. Any such mechanism known in the plumbing arts maybe used. The drain port may be positioned to be accessible when thedomestic apparatus is assembled and preferably the drain port ispositioned on the outer casing of the apparatus. Accordingly, one ormore drain ports may be accessible from the exterior surface of theapparatus, such as beneath a movable cover panel. Therefore, a user mayopen the drain port (e.g. by unscrewing a drain plug) and empty thefluid from the electrolyzer prior to storing the appliance for thewinter. Alternately, the appliance may include a small pump to drain thefluid from the electrolyzer.

Alternately or in addition, the appliance may have a fluid reservoir.The reservoir is preferably sized to receive all of the fluid from theelectrolyzer. The reservoir may be removable. Therefore, a consumer maydrain the electrolyzer and then remove and seal the reservoir.Accordingly, if the appliance is a built-in outdoor apparatus (e.g. abuilt-in barbeque or fireplace), then the user need only drain theelectrolyzer fluid into the reservoir, remove the reservoir and storethe reservoir for the winter. Alternately, the reservoir may be designedto receive the fluid therein and permit the fluid to freeze therein(i.e. to remain watertight despite the electrolyte solution freezingtherein). Accordingly, a user need not remove the reservoir. Instead,the user need only drain the fluid from the electrolyzer into thereservoir (e.g. by opening a valve or actuating a motor in the fluidflow path between the electrolyzer and the reservoir). The reservoir ispreferably sized to hold all of the fluid and permit the fluid to expandas it freezes. The reservoir may therefore have a volume that is one anda half times the volume of the electrolyzer.

The electrolyzer may be drained by using a pump to transfer theelectrolyte solution from the electrolyzer to the reservoir. Similarly,the pump may be operated in reverse to transfer the electrolyte solutionfrom the reservoir to the electrolyzer. Alternately, or in addition,gravity may be used to drain electrolyte solution from the electrolyzerto the reservoir and/or from the reservoir to the electrolyzer. Forexample, if the reservoir is positioned below the electrolyzer, theelectrolyte solution may flow from the electrolyzer to the reservoir by,e.g., opening a valve in a flow path therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the position of at least one of theelectrolyzer and the reservoir is moveable with respect to the othersuch that fluid may be caused to flow therebetween. Accordingly one, andpreferably both, of the electrolyzer and the reservoir may be verticallyrepositionable, such as by sliding along a vertical track. Therefore,e.g., electrolyte solution may be drained from the electrolyzer to thereservoir by moving the position of at least one of the electrolyzer andthe fluid reservoir so that the reservoir is below the electrolyzer.

In a more preferred embodiment as exemplified in FIGS. 15 a-15 c, thereservoir 154 is mounted to the electrolyzer 54 and the electrolyzer andthe reservoir form a one-piece assembly such that they rotate about ahorizontal axis A as a unit. The assembly may be rotated to one positionwherein the port in the electrolyzer is above port in the reservoir suchthat liquid may flow by gravity from the electrolyzer to the reservoir(see FIG. 15 a) As shown in FIG. 15 a liquid may drain from theelectrolyzer to the reservoir via port 226 and the inflow of liquid dueto gravity into the reservoir causes gas in the electrolyzer (e.g. air)to flow from the electrolyzer to the reservoir via air port 228. Whenthe assembly is rotated (e.g., as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15 b)to another position (e.g. a 180 degree rotation as shown in FIG. 15 c)the port in the reservoir is above the port in the electrolyzer suchthat liquid may flow by gravity from the reservoir to the electrolyzervalves including check valve may be provided to control the flow of thefluids. Alternately, or in addition, an air pump 230 to transfer gasbetween the electrolyzer and the reservoir (see FIGS. 16 a-16 c) and/ora liquid pump 232 between the electrolyzer and the reservoir (see FIGS.17 a-17 c) may be used. Alternately, or in addition, the size of thereservoir 154 may be varied (such as by a moveable piston 234 thatdefines the bottom of the reservoir 154 (see for example FIGS. 18 a-18c).

It will be appreciated that the reservoir may be used to supply make upwater to the electrolyzer. Accordingly, the reservoir may have one ormore fluid outlet ports in flow communication with one or more inletports on the electrolyzer. As water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer,make up water may be conveyed from the reservoir to the electrolyzer. Auser may manually transfer the water by, e.g., opening a valve.Alternately, the flow may be automatic, such as by a valve that isdrivenly controlled by a liquid sensor (e.g. a float switch).Accordingly, as water is converted to hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, makeup water may be automatically supplied to the electrolyzer.

It will be appreciated that, from time to time water will have to beadded to the electrolyzer, and the optional sparger chamber 86.Accordingly, each of the electrolyzer and the sparger may be configuredto be provided with make up water. In accordance with one embodiment, atleast one of the electrolyzer and the reservoir, or a flow passage (e.g.a conduit) extending therebetween, has an inlet port. Similarly, thesparger has at least one inlet port. In an alternate preferredembodiment, if a sparger chamber 86 is provided, then a single inletport is provided. The single inlet port is in fluid communication withboth the sparger and the electrolyzer and therefore, both elements maybe topped up with water at the same time. For example, the inlet may bebranched (e.g., Y-shaped) so that a portion of the water passes to thesparger chamber and the electrolyzer. The water provided to one or bothof the sparger and the reservoir may be filtered to remove particulatematter from the feed water and/or to remove anionic or cationic materialtherefrom. For example, the inlets may have a filter medium to filterparticulate material and/or an ion exchange resin.

Any openable inlet port known in the art may be used. For example, theinlet port may be sealed with a screw on cap, a bayonet mounted cap, asnap on cap, a ball valve or the like. Any such mechanism known in theplumbing arts may be used. These inlets may be positioned to beaccessible when the domestic apparatus is assembled and preferably theinlet ports are positioned on the outer casing of the apparatus.Accordingly, one or more inlet ports may be accessible from the exteriorsurface of the apparatus, such as beneath a movable lid 106 (e.g. apivotally mounted portion of the outer casing of the appliance, see FIG.7). It will be appreciated that, alternately, the apparatus may beplumbed into a domestic water supply such that make up water is providedautomatically.

As exemplified in FIG. 12, a main casing 132 for an apparatus includestwo electrolyzers 54 each of which has at least one combustible gasoutlet port 150 and at least one make up water inlet port 152. The waterinlet port 152 extends from reservoir 154. Each gas outlet port 150extends to reservoir 154 but could optionally be connected directly tosparger 156. Each electrolyzer is filled to provide a headspace 158above a fill line 160. As water is required, it is provided toelectrolyzers 54 by any means known in the art. The hydrogen and oxygengas are optionally not separately captured but accumulate in a singleheadspace 158 and flow to reservoir 154. The hydrogen and oxygen gasform bubbles 162 in the water 164 in reservoir 154. The bubbles travelupwardly to headspace 166 and flow down tube 168 to a member tointroduce gas as bubbles into the water 172 in sparger 156, such asdiffuser stone 170. The gas travels as bubbles 174 through water 172 toheadspace 176, to down flow tube 178 to passage 180 to the burner. Itwill be appreciated that only one of reservoir 154 and sparger 156 maybe provided. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, reservoir 154functions as a reservoir to provide make up water to electrolyzers 54and as a sparger. Accordingly, down flow tube 168 may be connecteddirectly to passage 180. Alternately, gas outlet ports 150 may beconnected directly to sparger 156 such that reservoir 154 does notfunction as a sparger (see for example FIG. 13).

Each of reservoir 154 and sparger 156 has a plug 182 that resealablycloses inlet ports 184. A moveably (e.g., pivotal) or removable lid orcover panel 186 is provided to hide each plug 182. It will beappreciated that a single cover panel 186 may be provided to overlieboth plugs 182. When it is desired to refill the sparger and/or thereservoir, optional cover panel 186 is moved to reveal plugs 182 andplugs 182 are removed to permit water to be added to inlets 184.Reservoir 154 and sparger 156 may each have a stand pipe 188 to whichmay have a length such that the bottom end is at the preferred maximumliquid height in each of reservoir 154 and sparger 156

Preferably, the apparatus has a sparger liquid level indicator, such asa float switch, a graduated liquid level view port or portion of atransparent sparger chamber, or a vertical or vertically inclined tubein fluid communication with the electrolyzer such that its fluid levelis indicative of the electrolyzer fluid level. Similarly, preferably theelectrolyzer and/or the reservoir has a liquid level indicator. Morepreferably, the apparatus has a liquid level warning member, such as afloat switch, or a capacitive fluid level sensor as known in the artthat actuates a light and/or a speaker that emits a warning tone whenthe liquid level in one or more of the sparger, the electrolyzer and thereservoir drops below a predetermined level. Accordingly, a person mayrefill the appliance when the liquid level warning member signals thatthe liquid in the sparger, the electrolyzer and/or the reservoir hasdropped below a predetermined level. A separate warning may be providedto indicate which element requires refilling.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus may have two reservoirs, onefor storing the electrolyte solution and one for providing make up waterto the electrolyzer.

In a further alternate embodiment, the appliance is designed to be usedintermittently outdoors. In such a case, a heating member may beprovided to thaw the reservoir and the optional sparger chamber. Forexample, an electric heating coil may be placed inside or around eachunit. When actuated, (e.g., current flows through a wire wound aroundeach element) the fluid in the reservoir, and the optional sparger, willthaw. The fluid may then be returned from the reservoir to theelectrolyzer, such as by using a pump. This may be accomplished byrunning a pump used to drain the electrolyzer in reverse. Any othermeans known in the fluid transfer arts may be used. The user may thenuse the appliance.

In accordance with another alternate aspect of this invention, at leastone fan or the like is provided to dilute the gas produced by theelectrolyzer. For example, tube 96 may be in communication with a sourceof pressurized air (e.g., a fan). Therefore, the gas from theelectrolyzer may be diluted with air. Accordingly, a first flow path mayextend between the electrolyzer and the burner and a fan may be in fluidflow communication with a source of dilution air (e.g. the ambient) andthe burner. A second flow path may extend between the fan and theburner. The second flow path may be a separate flow path or may mergewith the first flow path upstream of the burner (i.e., the second flowpath may be in fluid flow communication with the first flow path).Therefore, a method to inhibit flashback in the apparatus may compriseproviding sufficient dilution gas under pressure to the burner toprevent flashback.

This alternate aspect has two advantages. First, the addition of thedilution air assists in stabilizing the rate of gas flow to the burners.If there is variation in current provided to the electrolyzer, then theamount of gas produced will vary. The addition of the dilution air willreduce the variation by increasing the total volume of gas delivered tothe burners thereby reducing the absolute variation in the volume of gasflow to the burners. Secondly, the addition of dilution air willincrease the size of the flame. This may be beneficial in order toincrease the aesthetics of the unit. In particular, if the electrolyzeris used in a fireplace, then the increased size of the flame produces amore pleasing or realistic look. The amount of dilution air may be from1 to 5 times, preferably 1 to 3 times, the volume of gas theelectrolyzer is designed to produce if standard line current isavailable.

In accordance with another alternate aspect of this invention, at leastone fan or the like is utilized to provide dilution air in thecombustion region. If the igniter and other security systems shouldfail, then the provision of dilution air can be used to prevent thehydrogen from reaching an explosive threshold concentration. The amountof dilution air is preferably sufficient to prevent the hydrogen fromreaching an explosive concentration. Preferably, the fan directssufficient air to the combustion region to reduce the concentration ofhydrogen in the combustion region to less than half the explosivethreshold concentration and, more preferably, to less then a tenth ofthe explosive threshold concentration. The amount of dilution air may be5-200 times, preferably 5-100 times and more preferably 25-100 timesvolume of gas the electrolyzer is designed to produce if standard linecurrent is available. Preferably, the fan is automatically actuated whenthe electrolyzer is actuated. If the apparatus also includes a hydrogenstorage member, then preferably the fan also directs air to the storageregion in which the hydrogen storage member is positioned.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of this invention, theappliance may have a catch basin positioned under the electrolyzer. Thecatch basin is a water impermeable open topped container which isconfigured to retain liquid that is received therein. If theelectrolyzer develops a leak, then the catch basin will receive thefluid leaking from the electrolyzer. Thus any surface on which theappliance is positioned will not be damaged should a leak occur. Thecapacity of the catch basin may be at least the same as the liquidvolume of the electrolyzer and, preferably, 1.5 or more times the volumeof the electrolyzer. The catch basin may alternately be positionedunderneath all of the plumbing of the unit which transports the fluid(e.g., the tube to the optional reservoir). The catch basin may beremovable mounted. Therefore, if electrolyte solution leaks, it will beretained in the catch basin and the catch basin may be removed andcarried to, e.g., a sink, where the catch basin may be emptied.Alternately, the catch basin may be sealable to permit the apparatus tobe returned for repair. In a further alternate embodiment, the catchbasin may extend under part, or all, of the cooking surface and alsofunction as a drip tray.

An exemplary example of a cooking appliance that exemplifies how some ofthe aspects may be combined in a single cooking appliance is shown inFIGS. 7-11. As shown therein, a grill 130 has a main casing 132, anoptional drip tray 134, a grill surface 136 and an optional lid 138. Itwill be appreciated that the size of the appliance may be selected basedon the required cooking surface of grill surface 136 or aestheticrequirements. It will be appreciated that main casing 132 may comprise abase 196 and a cover plate 198 which encloses the components positionedon the base 196 (see for example FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 14, coverplate 198 is generally U-shaped so that only a single piece of plasticor metal may enclose the components mounted within cover plate 198.

The appliance preferably has a lid with is moveable between a closedposition, as exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 9, and an open position, asexemplified in FIG. 8. In the closed position, the lid provides a domeover the cooking surface and assists in retaining heat and moisture inthe cooking area 140 above grill surface 136 and beneath lid 138.Preferably, at least a portion of the lid, and more preferably all ofthe lid, is translucent or transparent and more preferably transparentto permit a user to view the food cooking on grill surface 136. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 14, lid 138 may have a double walled frame 192and a transparent central portion 194, e.g., a glass or plastic platethat may be removable for cleaning. By using a double walledconstruction with a thermal insulating member or an air gap between thedouble walls, the outer temperature of the cover may be reduced and theheat loss through lid 138 may also be reduced.

Alternately, or in addition, lid 138 is positioned and configured toreflect infrared radiation received thereon towards the cooking surface(grill surface 136). For example, lid 138 may be made of aluminum or thelower surface thereof may be treated to be reflective to infraredradiation (e.g. it may be aluminized). Accordingly, infrared radiationproduced by the combustion of hydrogen will travel upwardly throughopenings in the grill and be reflected downwardly to food on the grill36 thereby assisting to cook the upper surface of the food in thecooking region. It will be appreciated that an upper member, positionedbelow the lid, may be provided to reflect infrared radiation. In afurther alternate embodiment, if the grill 130 has an upper cookingsurface, then the upper cooking surface preferably has an openingtherein so as to permit infrared radiation to travel upwardly to the lidor upper member and then be reflected downwardly to assist in cookingthe upper surface of food on grill surface 136.

Alternately, or in addition, lid 138 is moveably mounted between aclosed position in which it is positioned over the lower cooking surfaceand an open position in which a user may access food being cooked. Lid138 may be moveably mounted by any means known in the art, such as bypivot pins.

Alternately, or in addition, at least one of, and preferably each of,drip tray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 is removably mounted sothat they may be removed for cleaning, storage or shipping. Drip tray134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 may be removably mounted by any meansknown in the art. As shown in FIG. 7, main casing is provided withspaced apart hooks 142 and lid 138 is provided with generally U shapedmembers 144 that are removably receivable on hooks 142. Preferably, atleast one, and more preferably each of, drip tray 134, grill surface 136and lid 138 are dishwasher safe.

It will be appreciated that if grill surface 136 is electrically heated,then the electrical heating element incorporated in grill surface 136must be electrically connected to a source of current when the grillsurface 136 is reinserted into main casing 132. Accordingly, main casing132 may have electric contacts and the electrical heating element isconnected to the electric contacts upon grill surface 136 being mountedto main casing 132. For example, grill surface 136 may have a firstmounting member, main casing 132 may have second mounting member, thefirst and second mounting members inter-engage whereby when the firstand second mounting members inter-engage, the grill surface 136 ismounted to main casing 132 and the electrical heating element iselectrically connected to the cooking appliance. This may be achieved iffirst and second mounting members include electrically conductivemembers. Accordingly, the electric heating element may be automaticallyelectrically connected merely by mounting grill surface 136 in maincasing 132. Any electrical contacts known in the art may be used.

Drip tray 134 and grill surface 136 may be removably mounted as a unitor each may be separately removable mounted. It will be appreciated thatif one of drip tray 134 and grill surface 136 is removably mounted, thenthe other need not be as if all portions of it are accessible forcleaning when the other element is removed. For example, if drip tray134 is removably mounted, then when drip tray 134 is removed, allportions of grill surface 136 are accessible for cleaning.

Optionally, the cooking appliance may be designed such that theelectrolyzer will not function, or will cease function, if one or bothof the cooking surface and the drip tray is removed from the cookingappliance. For example, the cooking appliance may have a circuitelectrically connecting the electrolyzer to a power source and thecircuit includes a detector. The detector detects the presence of atleast one of the cooking surface and the drip tray in the cookingappliance, the circuit isolates the electrolyzer from the power source(e.g., a switch is opened) when at least one of the lower cookingsurface and the drip tray is removed from the cooking appliance. Inparticular, the circuit may be opened when grill surface 136 having anelectric heating element is removed from main casing 132 therebyremoving the electric heating element from the contacts in main casing132 and opening a circuit which includes the electrolyzer.

In one particularly preferred aspect of this embodiment, each of driptray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 is configurable to reduce thevolume of the appliance for shipping. It will be appreciated that whendrip tray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 are aligned in a differentmanner and nested, or partially nested, the volume of the appliance maybe reduced. Accordingly, it is preferred that when the appliance ispackaged, that each of drip tray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138, ifprovided, are separate elements and are placed in the package in anested manner. For example, the drip tray 134 and the lid 138 may bedimensioned such that one may nest partially or fully in the other.Accordingly, those elements may be positioned in a package so as toreduce the volume of the packaging. The grill surface 136 may begenerally planar and be placed adjacent the nested elements or mayremain in the main casing 132.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the appliance includes a rack 146 havingslots 148 or other means to receive the drip tray 134, grill surface 136and lid 138 in a generally vertically aligned position. Accordingly, thedrip tray 134 may be partially nested in lid 138 and the grill surface136 may be positioned adjacent drip tray 134. It will be appreciatedthat rack 146 preferably comprises part of a foot that contacts thesurface on which the appliance rests thereby assisting in stabilizingthe appliance when in use. It will be appreciated that rack 146 providesa means of securing drip tray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 afterthey are washed and not yet dry. When installed in rack 146, the driptray 134, grill surface 136 and lid 138 may drip dry.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8-11 also exemplifies a further alternatepreferred embodiment of the invention wherein the electrolyzer, or thehousing in which the electrolyzer is provided, comprises the spine ofthe apparatus. Accordingly to this alternate embodiment, some, andpreferably all, of the elements which comprise the apparatus are mountedto, and may be removably mounted to, the electrolyzer, or the housing inwhich the electrolyzer is positioned. Therefore, the electrolyzer, orthe housing in which the electrolyzer is positioned comprise the centralstructure of the apparatus. For example, if the apparatus is a cookingappliance, then one or more of the drip tray 134, the grill surface 136and the lid 138 are preferably mounted to the electrolyzer, or thehousing in which the electrolyzer is positioned and, more preferably,are removably mounted thereto. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, main casing 132has a flat base that sits on a surface, such as a table or a kitchencounter. The weight of the electrolyzer in main casing 132 is a counterbalance to the weight of the drip tray 134, the grill surface 136 andthe lid 138 that are mounted to main casing 132. Alternately, it will beappreciated that feet may be provided and, if so, the feet arepreferably mounted to main casing 132 or to the electrolyzer providedtherein. One advantage of such a design is that the size of theapparatus, which is preferably a domestic apparatus and, morepreferably, a cooking appliance, is reduced. Thus, the cooking appliancewill more easily fit on a counter top in a kitchen.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, anycooking appliance may incorporate a fan to provide forced convection inthe cooking region. The fan may be positioned to provide forcedconvection in a cooking region. The cooking region is the volume of theapparatus that is heated for cooking or reheating food and may bedefined by a lower cooking surface (e.g. grill surface 136) and a lid138, a lower cooking surface and an upper cooking surface 200 (see FIG.14) or, in the case of a rotisserie, a region between the base of theunit and the lid of the unit.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, thecooking region may have a vertical height of 1/16 to 4 inches,preferably ¼ to 2 inches and, more preferably ¾ to 1.5 inches. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 14, lower cooking surface 136 may be at afixed height and upper cooking surface 200 may be slidably moveably onvertically extending tracks 202 by any means known in the art. Forexample, pins 204 may be slidable in tracks 202 and lockable at presetpositions or at any desired position. The cover plate 198 of main casing132 may have openings 136 provided therein in front of tracks 202. Itwill be appreciated that upper cooking surface 200 may be pivotallymounted by means of pivot pins 224.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, thevertical height of the cooking region may be adjustable. For example, atleast one of, and optionally each of, the lower cooking surface (e.g.grill surface 136) and an upper member (e.g. lid 138 or an upper cookingmember) is moveable relative to the other.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, a fanmay be provided to cause air to pass through the filtration member. Thefan may also result in forced convection occurring in the cookingregion. The filtration member may be, for example, a porous filtermedia, a cyclone and/or an electrostatic filter. The exhaust air fromthe filtration member may be directed into the region exterior to thecooking region (e.g. the room in which the cooking appliance issituated) or back into the cooking region to preferably induceconvective air currents. As exemplified in FIG. 14, motor 216 drives fanblade 218 which causes air to be drawn through filter media 220 and thenreturned to the cooking region.

In order to produce a desired quantity of hydrogen, the number ofelectrodes may be varied. Accordingly, the volume of the electrolyzermay be determined, in part, by the required number of electrodes. In thecase of some appliances, the required volume of the electrolyzer mayrequire the overall volume of the apparatus to be increased so that thehousing of the apparatus may receive the electrolyzer. In accordancewith a further alternate aspect of the invention a domestic apparatuscomprises a plurality of electrolyzers and not just one. Accordingly,the required number of electrodes may be provided by incorporating inthe domestic apparatus a first electrolyer with a first number ofelectrodes and a second electrolyer with a second number of electrodes,wherein, in totality, the two electrolyzers provide in combination therequired number of electrodes. It will be appreciated that two or moreelectrolyzers may be provided. The plurality of the electrolyzers may bepositioned in the domestic apparatus such that the volume of thedomestic apparatus with the plurality of electrolyzers is smaller thanif the same domestic apparatus had a single electrolyer having the samenumber of electrodes as in the plurality of electrolyzers. Preferably,the footprint of the domestic apparatus with the plurality ofelectrolyzers is smaller than if the same domestic apparatus had asingle electrolyer having the same number of electrodes as in theplurality of electrolyzers. The plurality of electrolyzers may beconnected in series and/or in parallel and may be positioned front torear (front side of a rearward electrolyzer proximate to the rear sideof an electrolyzer positioned in front of the rearward electrolyzer) orone on top of the other (see FIG. 12). In particular, as shown in FIG.12, heat sinks 190 may be provided adjacent the upper and lower surfacesof each electrolyzer 54 so as to permit heat to be dissipated. The heatsinks may comprise a plurality of pin fins or other heat radiating ordissipating members. It will be appreciated that the heat sinks may alsobe provided on any other desired surfaces of electrolyer 54 and may beintegrally formed as part of the walls of the electrolyzer 54. Forexample, the heat sinks may be integrally formed with the walls, bottomand top panels of the electrolyzer housing such as by molding orextrusion. Alternately, they may be formed separately and then connectedin thermal communication with the electrolyzer 54, such as by beingadhered to a surface thereof. Heat sinks 190 and/or the electroniccontrol package 214 may be cooled by fan blade 222 that is driven bymotor 216.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, adomestic apparatus includes an illumination member that illuminates thecombustion region. The illumination member may comprise a memberpositioned in the combustion region and which emits light when heated.For example, the illumination member may be a light emitting diode, afluorescent bulb, a neon bulb, a phosphor lamp, or any other lightingmeans known in the art or combination thereof and may be pulsed so as tocreate better lighting or visibility of special effects such as freezingthe position of flickering flames or bubbles rising in a sparger or itmay be a material such as glass or ceramic element heated by the flameto produce visible light and/or a visible flame. The illumination membermay be provided in the electrolyte solution or in an optional sparger oran optional fluid level tube. The illumination member may glow whenheated by the hydrogen flame, or combust or chemically react or bephysically degraded when heated by the hydrogen flame, to produce avisible member indicating the presence of the flame. Alternately, theillumination member (e.g. a mirror) may reflect, and preferably reflectand enlarge, the hydrogen flame to increase the visibility of thehydrogen flame to a user. An advantage of this embodiment is that ahydrogen flame produces little or no visible light and is difficult toview. Therefore, the illumination member provides visual confirmation toa user that the electrolyzer is working and warns the user that a flameexists so that a user may not accidentally touch the flame. If thedomestic apparatus is a fireplace, then the illumination member producesor enhances the aesthetic appearance of a live flame.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention, thecooking temperature is adjustable, preferably by varying at least oneof, and optionally both of, the temperature of the heat source and thetemperature in the cooking region. The cooking temperature may be variedby one or more of varying the distance between the heat source and thecooking support member, providing dilution air to the cooking region,varying an amount of dilution air to the cooking region, varying theamount of combustible gas produced by the electrolyzer, and varying thesize of the flame. For example. a cooking appliance may have a cookingsupport (e.g., a cooking surface or a rotisserie rod) and a burnerwherein at least one of the cooking support and the burner is moveablerelative to the cooking support. Accordingly, the distance between theburning hydrogen and the food may be adjusted. Therefore, thetemperature at which the food is cooked may be adjusted by manuallymoving, and preferably vertically moving, one or both of the cookingsupport and the burner. Alternately, or in addition, the power providedto the electric heating element may be adjustable. Alternately, or inaddition, the power provided to the electrolyzer may be adjustable.Alternately, or in addition, the size of the orifices of the burnerports may be adjustable. Alternately, or in addition, the amount ofdilution gas combined with the combustible gas may be adjustable.

In accordance with a further alternate aspect of the invention a cookingapparatus comprises a flavoring agent container. Preferably, theflavoring agent container is heat stable and is positioned in or abovethe combustion region. Preferably, the flavoring agent comprises aliquid and the flavoring agent container is configured to deliver theflavoring agent to at least one of the combustion region, a positionabove the combustion region and to food in the cooking region. Theflavoring agent may be a solid or liquid such as an extract of garlic,an extract of red, green or other peppers, fruits, or vegetablesincluding but not limited to oranges, lemons, limes, strawberries,cinnamon, vanilla, and may be delivered by, e.g., having the flavoringagent in a cup in the region of the flame or in the heat plume or thefluid may be vapourized by an electric heating means and the vapordelivered to the flame region or to the heat plume from the flame orinto the region of the food where the gas plume temperature is below 650degrees Fahrenheit

It will be appreciated that each aspect of the invention is preferablyused singularly, or in combination with other aspects of the instantinvention, in a cooking appliance and, preferably a portable cookingappliance.

It will be appreciated that in each aspect of the invention usedsingularly, or in combination with other aspects of the instantinvention, the combustible gas that is utilized is produced by anelectrolyzer and the combustible gas comprises hydrogen produced by theelectrolyzer.

1-249. (canceled)
 250. A method of cooking food comprising: (a)actuating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen; (b) combusting thehydrogen to produce heat and utilizing the heat to cook the food; and,(c) utilizing electricity to heat a cooking surface.
 251. The method ofclaim 250 further comprising conducting steps (b) and (c)simultaneously.
 252. The method of claim 250 wherein step (c) comprisesutilizing electricity to conductively heat a cooking surface.
 253. Themethod of claim 252 further comprising placing food on the cookingsurface.
 254. A method of cooking food in a cooking appliancecomprising: (a) actuating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen; (b)combusting the hydrogen to produce heat and utilizing the heat to cookthe food; and, (c) utilizing electricity to produce additional the heatto cook the food.
 255. The method of claim 254 further comprisingconcurrently combusting the hydrogen to produce heat and utilizingelectricity to produce additional heat to cook the food.
 256. The methodof claim 254 further comprising utilizing electricity to heat a cookingsurface.
 257. The method of claim 256 further comprising placing food onthe cooking surface.
 258. The method of claim 254 further comprisingplacing food on a rotisserie in the cooking appliance.
 259. The methodof claim 254 wherein the portable cooking appliance has a plug which isreceivable in a domestic electric outlet and the method furthercomprises inserting the plug in the domestic electric outlet prior toactuating the electrolyzer.
 260. The method of claim 254 wherein theportable cooking appliance has a reservoir in fluid communication withthe electrolyzer and the method further comprises providing water toreservoir. 261-337. (canceled)
 338. The method of claim 250 furthercomprising inserting an electric plug into a domestic electric outletprior to step (a).